The diamond drill. (Crystal Falls, Iron County, Mich.) 1887-1996, 1891-03-14
THE RAVENS OF ALASKA.


Are 10 the roufh-
The raven is bird deserving Of
respectful attention He is bird OF
very ancient lineage dating back 10
the deluge. II not TO Eden, and appear
ing In the history OF England ms the
prominent figure on the banner OF the
hardy Viking devastators. In Europe
and among the Mohammedans there Is
widespread dislike 10 ravens; In fact
they are regarded as birds OF Ill omen
and carrion feeders. But quite tho
reverse is thought OF the bird Ia south
eastern Alaska, where the natives re-
gard IL as very unfortunate event
should one be killed.
One OF the officers OF the United
States revenue cutter service. who has
paid several visits 10 the southeastern
and other portions OF the territory OF
Alaska. mentioned to n San Francisco
Chronicle reporter the following facts
about tho raven OF our Arctic province:
my first experience with ravens in
Alaska was at Oonalaska- There the
birds fly around the beach and village
In large numbers. On the hilltops
surrounding the harbor they breed un-
molested, and were IL not for their
scavenger work the fish offal that lays
around the shore and houses would
soon engender disease. The Alaska
raven Is a fine looking bird. as large
as a turkey. and upon closer acquaint-
ance real handsome fellow. His
coat Is indeed black, but OF q black
glossier and moro rich than silk and
softer than velvet, while in semi
shade the feathers are tinged with
that peculiar color so often seen on
well-preservcd blue-black-
Ii Is very funny 10 see these birds
holding. as IL were. conclave. Ten
or dozen alight on the ground and
walk to the meeting place with n
stately. erect step. their every move
ment cool and assured. Then nm old
bird steps gravely into the middle,
and the meeting begins with series
OF cultural and harsh croaks. which
gradually swell in volume until the
entire lot OF birds have joined in the
debate Along comes dog and for
him they scatter. resuming thoir po-
sitions when he passes. until the meet
ing again terminates. and they fly of
TO tho beach and hills. These birds
are very seldom killed unless IL be by
some sailor in pure wantonness IL
you examine the hills OF the ravens
hot peculiar construction Is remark
able. They are "A combination OF a
chisel. scissors. dagger, and gimlet.
The bill forms m important factor in
the ravens existence. for he has TO dig
on the beach for CLAIMS, bore the hard
shell by repeated chipping. and again
in pure mischief no will tear aud break
anything that his bright and unerring
eye lights upon.
Just as soon ms the bright sunlight
appears the ravens leave their roost-
ing places on the hilltops for the beach
line. and over tho village and shores
OF the bay they fly and wander until
shutdown invites them TO rest The
raven Is fine flyer. On the wing his
movements are we'll under command.
With strong decided beats he winnows
the air fast or slow. never seeming in
"A hurry. But II occasion requires tho
raven can travel at express speed and
when he sees another bird feasting on
some delicate morscl OF offal. down he
comes from midair with his discordant
cav. ready To share or steal tho
price,