20 NOTES FROM YORKSHIRE. 



sent me in a merlin (Falco cesalori) which he shot while out ranging 

 the fields for game. 



It is a very fine specimen, and perfect in every feather : dissection 

 proves it to be a male bird, and apparently a full grown young one. 



The description of the merlin given in Montagu's Ornithological 

 Dictionary, at page 320 and 321, is beautifully accurate. Mine answers 

 best to Mr. Foljambe's description. 



Its length is ten inches and a half, and weighs four ounces and seven- 

 eighths exactly. The tail is composed of twelve long feathers, and has 

 six transverse bars thereon. The first two wing feathers appear as 

 if cut with a pair of scissors, as mentioned in Montagu. 



Some few months back, as another gentleman and myself were 

 standing on the top of an elevated mound (raised for what purpose 

 history does not say), we witnessed a most animating aerial chase 

 between a merlin and a skylark. 



I can only very faintly describe the short, but animating scene ; it 

 is as fresh in remembrance as if I saw it only yesterday. 



The merlin came like an arrow upon the poor lark, which was flit- 

 ting about on the wing at the time ; it fled hither and thither in utter 

 dismay, calling most piteously for mercy or assistance all the while ; it 

 exerted every muscle, and tried every shift and evasion, to shake off its 

 deadly foe. It fled to the bushes and brakes for safety ; but alas ! found 

 not even a single leaf to shelter it from its merciless pursuer. It made 

 an attempt to reach us on the top of the mound, but was soon out- 

 stripped, and made to tack about suddenly; it repeated the attempt 

 again and again and again and again was frustrated. After a few 

 minutes of such severe exertion the lark became gradually exhausted ; 

 and in making a last feeble effort to reach us, was overtaken by its 

 swift- winged adversary, and triumphantly borne off to a distant field, 

 there to be dissected and offered as an oblation to appease the cravings 

 of nature. 



Should these lines meet the eye of my friend on his return from 

 abroad, the time, and place, and scene will be recalled to his memory, 

 and probably he may feel the current of his blood somewhat accelerated 

 by the recollection thereof. 



Should this P.S. meet the Editor's views, he will please to make 

 any amendment he deems necessary, and the author will be gratified.* 

 Kilham, East Riding, Yorkshire, Nov. 20. 



* The Editor will feel obliged for any other P. S. such as this from Mr. 

 Anderson. 



