Where did this phrase come from stone the crows?

The phrase "stone the crows" is thought to have originated in the early 19th century in England. It is believed to have been used as an exclamation of surprise or astonishment, similar to the phrase "well, I never!" or "would you believe it?". The phrase is thought to have originated from the practice of throwing stones at crows as a way of scaring them away from crops or other areas. Over time, the phrase became more widely used as an expression of surprise or disbelief, and it is still commonly used today.