their comparative Numbers and Distribution, 623 



informs me that, for several weeks last year, a pair frequented 

 some water within twelve miles of London. These were at 

 length shot down, after many futile endeavours. 



The Peregrine Falcon was also killed, a week ago, upon the 

 steeple of St. Bride's Church, Fleet Street; where the indi- 

 vidual is said to have inhabited for many years, subsisting, for 

 the most part, on the London pigeons. I have several times 

 seen this species in the heart of London, but never in the 

 environs ; a very few minutes' flight sufficing to transport it a 

 distance of many leagues. 



The Hobby Falcon appears to be a rare species, but is less 

 so in Kent. One or two, mostly the young of the year, are 

 generally seen towards the close of summer. I have met with 

 no instance of its breeding in this neighbourhood. Specimens 

 are occasionally taken in the bird-catchers' nets ; where, also, 

 are sometimes captured a few kestril and ground falcons. 



The Kestrel Falcon is another of the Fauna Londinensis : it 

 is here less frequent than in the north of London. Never- 

 theless, it is our commonest bird of prey ; and I seldom take 

 a long ramble without an opportunity occurring to admire its 

 graceful flight. It breeds in the church steeples in London, 

 and in deserted crows' nests in Wimbledon and other parks. 

 In the last-named locality, I have seen four or five in the air 

 together. 



The Ground Falcon, or Merlin, is a regular winter visitant, 

 but not common, though a few are generally shot every sea- 

 son. All that I have seen of these have been in immature 

 plumage. 



The Common Hawk would be rather plentiful than other- 

 wise; in the woodland districts, were it not to be so much 

 persecuted by gunners ; as is also the kestrel falcon. As it is, 

 I very rarely enjoy the treat of seeing one. 



The Buzzard is excessively rare ; perhaps somewhat less so 

 as the distance increases from London. The only instance 

 I have known of one occurring near this place happened 

 the winter before last, when a solitary individual flew over 

 Mitcham Common. It had hardly reached the boundary, 

 when it was shot at, but missed ; whereupon it rose gracefully 

 into the air, and ascended in easy circles till beyond the reach 

 of vision. So large a bird has little chance of existence in 

 this neighbourhood. 



The Blue-grey Harrier is seen, though rarely, on some of 

 the more distant heaths ; where, however, I have not heard of 

 its breeding. What becomes of the young of this species ? 

 They do not undergo a moult till the second autumn ; and, 

 till this is effected, I believe, no species of bird is capable of 



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