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HARDWICKE'S SCIENCE-GOSSIP. 



it hovering in beautiful flight near the surface of the 



earih, while in the next we see it, with increasing 



rapidity of wing, ascending higher and higher, until 



it arrives at a di zzy height, and there circling with 



varied and beautiful curves, its piercing eye beholds 



the illimitable expanse below. But suddenly, with 



closed wings, as a thunderbolt from the quiver of 



mighty Jove, as the passage of light through space, 



it descends with inconceivable velocity, down to the 



less pure regions below, until it seems that it is about 



to precipitate itself to certain death on the earth ; but 



no ! with expanded wings and broad tail, with a 



shrill, rapturous cry of exultation, it dashes into 



the interior depths of the wood. What more fine 



than the bold flight and wild freedom of this bird ! 



Fig. 166. — The Sparrowhawk ( Accipiter nisus). 



Let us examine the sternum of this hawk. Look 

 at it, and mark the depth of the keel, and we see 

 clearly indicated great power and extension of flight. 

 Those who have frequented the haunts of this bird 

 must have observed how suddenly it stops in its 

 rapid onward course, and how instantly it alights. 

 Its lofty, protracted evolutions in atmospheric regions 

 and its almost untiring wing evince its buoyancy and 

 lightness, while the impetus with which we have 

 often observed it descend denotes plainly that it 

 likewise possesses an amount of density. However 

 inconsistent and illogical this may sound, it is never- 

 theless true. It is no illusory theory. It is a well- 

 known established fact, and facts are stubborn 

 obstacles to overcome. 



It is pleasant to think of this bird in conjunction 

 with the wild localities it frequents. Our rambles 

 through the dark, gloomy fir forest, or on the rocky 

 slopes of the North, give us abundant opportunities 

 of observing it in all its wild and distinctive character- 

 istics. 



Gamekeepers see no beauty in the flight of hawks, 

 or in their wonderful instinctive passages to other 

 climes, or in the rapidity and grace of their heaven- 

 ward movements. Their sole object, their only 

 desire, is to see their preserves well stocked, and to 

 know that they have rid the neighbouring woods of 

 all "vermin " — for such they designate all birds and 



V 



Fig. 167. — Head of Sparrowhawk. 



Fig. 168. — Foot of Sparrowhawk. 



animals which stand in the way of their darling projects. 

 The sparrowhawk's supply of food involves a question 

 of great import to the keeper, and is worthy of more 

 than passing consideration. All look upon this bird, 

 as well as all other birds bearing the appellation of 

 "hawk," as an enemy, and a hindrance to their 

 object of rearing game, and thus exert every influence 

 to exterminate it. And yet, were it possible to write 

 an exact account of this bird's sustenance, say for a 

 month, and elucidate the results, the rough owner of 

 velveteen, little though he may know about the arts 

 of ratiocination, would be surprised. But it is useless 

 arguing with such, it is an unnecessary waste of so 

 much vital force and energy. If, however, they were 

 to study more deeply, and examine more carefully, 

 the habits of this and other birds, they would find all 



