CATCHING A TARTAR. 4 J 



alarm at an approaching boat, in which, pei^iaps 

 some ardent gunner might lie concealed. Not- 

 withstanding all his vigilance, however, one day, 

 when he was dozing on the borders of the ele- 

 vated pool above mentioned, a lark -shooter suc- 

 ceeded in approaching within a tolerable distance, 

 but the discharo^e of his gun was not suificient to 

 disable the bird, which succeeded in making his 

 escape. 



A fine example of the same species, but also in 

 imperfect plumage, was shot about four years ago 

 by a man in the employment of the superintend- 

 ent of Pevensey Levels. Being only winged, the 

 bird contrived to scramble into a corner formed 

 by two fences or low walls, where he took up his 

 position, and turning his face to his foes, like 

 Siccius Dentatus, he defended himself so reso- 

 lutely that he kept his persecutors at bay for a 

 leno^th of time, one and all deciinino; to come to 

 closer quarters with such a formidable antagonist. 

 Having tried in vain to turn his flank, an ally 

 in the form of a sheep-dog was called in, who 

 commenced his attack in the most courageous 

 manner, little anticipating what a warm recep- 

 tion he was about to meet with; but he soon 

 found that he had "caught a Tartar ;'' for he was 

 nearly killed by the eagle before his rescue was 

 effected. His attack, however, caused a diver- 



