NATURAL HISTORY. 



211 



TINXUXCULUS. (Lat. a Kestrel.) 



Alaiularius (Lat. of a .Lark), the Kestrel. 



among the precipices in Dovedale. Their nest is usually built 

 in the deserted mansion of a crow or magpie. The eggs are 

 four in number, of a dark reddish brown. The length is from 

 thirteen to fifteen inches. 



THE GOSHAWK. 



The GOSHAWK is found plentifully in most of the wooded 

 districts of Europe, but is comparatively rare in the British 

 Isles. It seldom breeds south of Scotland, but its nest is not 

 unfrequently found in that country, built upon lofty trees, 

 principally firs, and containing three eggs of a bluish W 7 hite 

 colour with reddish brown marks. When in pursuit of prey, 

 it strikes its' victim to the ground by the force with which it 



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dashes through the air. Should the terrified quarry hide it- 

 self, the Goshawk takes up its station on some elevated spot, 

 and there patiently waits until the game takes wing. Its 

 principal food consists of hares, squirrels, pheasants, and other 



