55
THE LAST COLONY OF RAVENS IN ESSEX.
By JOHN FRENCH.
MR. CHRISTY'S paper on the "Breeding of the Kite and
Buzzard in Essex," in which he incidentally mentions
the Raven at Maldon (ante, p. 22), brings to my mind some
reminiscences of that last colony of Ravens, which may be of
interest.
I went to Southminster in 1862, and remained there about
four years. On the first day after my arrival I saw a tame raven
being nursed by a little girl who lived next door. This raven
was a constant companion of the children, and was looked upon
as an ordinary kind of capture.
During the time I was there there were two pairs of ravens
that nested every year in some tall elms in a field called the
"Lost Field," about a mile south of Steeple. I have repeatedly
seen the birds visiting those nests. Although I cannot speak
personally to a knowledge of others, there is reason to believe
that at that time there were several more pairs.
The range of these birds was peculiar, and I believe very
limited. Ths place where they could generally be heard or seen
was at Asheldham Waste, a rather well-wooded district between
Southminster and Asheldham village. The folks used to say
they were calling for "more pork," that being the construction
they put upon their deep croaking note. Their range, I believe,
was included within a tract, fairly well wooded, about three
miles long and one broad. I have no knowledge of their over-
stepping these limits. Had they gone very much further to the
north, east, or south, there would have been difficulties pre-
sented by the water, but to the west apparently they had an
open field. It is impossible to say to what cause their extinction
was due.
The Raven when in best plumage is of lovely hue, which, like
the kingfisher's, shows to advantage in the movements of the
animal, and cannot be imitated by any preparations of art.
There are tame ravens in London now, in the Tower precincts,
but they are poor in plumage and partake too much of the hue
of London. A very fine raven is, I believe, still at large on the
great lawn of Trinity College, Oxford, where it is very much at
home and is an object of great beauty.