0(J 



A( Ciri'l'l.'KS. 



most powerful of its ]'ace, Ijoklly preying upon the largest 

 game. Perched uj^on some branch, and obscured by the 

 shadows of evening, it marks its ili-fated quarry, — the 

 fawn reposing among the fern, the hare nibbling the 

 grass, tlie grouse crouching among the heath. Silently 

 and rai)idly down it pounces, strikes its victim, and 

 commences the work of desti-uction. Less noble game, 

 such as moles, rats, and lizards, may be also ranked 

 auKjng the ai-ticles of its food. This fine bird chooses 

 the clefts of rocks, or the hollows of decayed trees of 

 anticpie growth, for the pui'pose of nidification, laying 

 three eggs of a rounded shape and white colour. 



4 •■- 



