110 ORNITHOLOGICAL RAMBLES. 



derable parties of their own species ; while a fair 

 sprinkling of snipes and woodcocks are found 

 along the higher margins, and among the nume- 

 rous grassy tussocks which extend far into the 

 swampy plantations near the borders of the upper 

 lake. The game in the surrounding woods, and 

 the fishing, being strictly preserved, these birds 

 dwell here in comparative security ; and as the 

 waters furnish them with an abundant supply of 

 their natural food, they have no inducement to 

 wander beyond the precincts of the park. Great, 

 then, is the general consternation, when the duck- 

 hawk* — as the old keeper calls him — makes his 

 appearance. Taking up his position on a tall fir 

 tree commanding a view of the pond, he selects 

 a victim from the terrified flock as they fly hur- 

 riedly along, dashes after it with incredible swift- 

 ness, sweeps it almost from the surface of the 

 water, and disappears with it among the neigh- 

 bouring reed-beds, while its companions, suddenly 

 veering round, return again, as if unwilling to 

 quit the spot which has so long afforded them a 

 safe asylum ; but after a day or two they become 

 thoroughly scared, and may be found among the 

 brooks in the open country; indeed, the first in- 



* The name by which the peregrine is also known in 

 America. 



