SHOOTING A FRIEND FOR A FOE. Ill 



timation I have frequently received of the pre- 

 sence of the peregrine at Burton, has been the 

 sudden appearance of several " wisps of snipe/' 

 even in open weather, among the low meadows at 

 a considerable distance ; and little parties of teal 

 and wild ducks congregating at every turn of 

 the river, where the high banks afforded them 

 a chance of concealment, and where, though com- 

 paratively exposed to greater danger, they might 

 be found until the death or expulsion of the ene- 

 my from their old quarters. 



Specimens of this falcon have been shot near 

 Lewes, Newhaven, Seaford, Pevensey, and Rye, 

 in the eastern, and in the neighbourhood of Chi- 

 chester, Petworth, and Arundel, in the western 

 division of the county. It has also occurred oc- 

 casionally, though rarely, in the wooded portion 

 of the weald. A friend of mine has one in his 

 possession which was shot in that part of the 

 country by a farmer, who mistook it for a wood- 

 pigeon, immense flocks of which abound there 

 during the acorn season. On the present occasion 

 the man was endeavouring to protect his ripe 

 peas from their depredations, and for this pur- 

 pose, having concealed himself behind a tree, and 

 placed a stuffed pigeon, as a decoy, in the middle 

 of the field, he awaited the arrival of the first 

 party that might pass within reach of his gun. 



