THE HOBBY. 



Tliis beautifiil bird is bi-own above ; -whitish and spotted with brown underneath ; the 

 thighs and the bottom of the belly are red, and it has a bromi mark on the cheek. Its 

 nest is found on very high trees. The female lays three or four whitish eggs, unequally 

 spotted with ohve-coloui-ed points, and black spots somewhat larger. These birds 

 usually prey on larks ; but they also pursue greenfinches, bullfinches, sometimes quails, 

 and, according to M. Temminck, some small river-bu'ds. The hobby is common m 

 France, Germany, and other countries of Europe, and is foimd even in the deserts 

 of Tartary and Siberia. It is reported to leave England and some other countries in 

 winter. 



This bird is a kind of miniatiu-e peregrine falcon. The female weighs about nine 

 ounces, the male still less, and their length is about twelve iuches. And yet, though so 

 small, this species is mferior to none in point of courage ; its flight is wonderfully rapid, 

 and is supported with undimmished vigour for a considerable time. This species was for- 

 merly trained for hawking, but more commonly used for taking partridges and larks with 

 a net, which is termed daring, that is, the hobby was cast off, which so fiightened the 

 birds, that they readily suffered a net to be drawn over them. 



The hobby has often been observed pui'suuig a lark, and it is astonishing to observe 

 how dexterously the latter creature avoids the fatal stiike- iintil it becomes fatigued. 

 Wlicn a hen harrier has joined in the chase, it has oiJy been to be distanced by the 

 lioliby, wliich has made sure of its prize. 



* Falco Subbuteo. 



