Park Animals for London 



would leave adult pigeons alone, and confine his 

 attention to any squabs which he might find in 

 accessible places. 



Hence we might well invite our ancient resi- 

 dent, the kite, back to his old haunts. Some four 

 centuries ago kites were so common in London 

 that they attracted the attention of foreign visi- 

 tors, and seem to have been as tame and impudent 

 as they are now in the East. 



The British kite, however, though just as fine 

 a performer on the wing as the Indian and 

 Egyptian birds, is far handsomer, being larger in 

 size, and with a rich chestnut tint in his plumage 

 which is quite lacking from the snuffy feathering 

 of the Oriental species. 



The British race of kites appears now to be 

 reduced to about three pairs, which are being 

 somewhat tardily and ineffectually protected by 

 our ornithologists ; but as the species is not rare 

 on the Continent, and is easy to rear and keep 

 at liberty, a few pairs could be installed in the 

 parks with no great trouble and at a very mode- 

 rate expense, and would before long provide for 

 themselves without difficulty. 



Useful allies of the kites — and, in respect of 

 the sparrows, far more effectual — would be some 

 of the smaller birds of the crow tribe. The two 

 or three magpies we have already are great orna- 

 ments ; and as the magpie in Norway is a familiar 



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