In the Neighbourhood of Salisbury. 97 
with me in knowing that the king of birds still exists amongst us, 
and ery, “The king is dead! Long live the king.” 
Haliaetus Albicilla, “ White-tailed, or Sea Eagle.” On coming 
to speak of this species I can approach much nearer home. These 
birds are still occasionally to be met with in the neighbourhood of 
Christchurch. Mr. Edward Hart (the son of the late William Hart, 
the well-known naturalist of West End, Christchurch) informs me 
that he has had ten or twelve specimens pass through his hands for 
preservation within the last fifteen years, and that Lord Malmesbury, 
who has several local specimens of these birds in his collection, 
PEWS. - 
. 
exchanged with him not long ago a fine Sea Eagle for a well- 
plumaged Heron—which speaks for itself that Halizetus Albicilla 
was not considered by his Lordship as being such a great rarity in 
these parts. It is now four years ago since Sea Eagles visited 
Christchurch. But in 1872 a pair located themselves in the neigh- 
bourhood, and were observed there for some time. One of them was 
at last shot by a keeper, but was unfortunately not found until it 
was quite unfit for preservation, the bird having flown a long way 
before it dropped. The last “ Sea Eagle” that was captured alive 
at Christchurch was taken in the year 1866. This bird was caught 
: by the foot in a rabbit trap, and sent to the Zoological Gardens in 
Regent’s Park. About the year 1850, when I was living at 
Wokingham, in Berkshire, I remember a relation! of mine, on his 
returning from a drive to Reading, informing me that an enormous 
_ bird, apparently of this species, had flown directly over his head, 
and settled on an elm tree not far from the road-side ; appearing, 
‘when perched, to be at least three feet in height. This bird was 
seen the day after in the neiehbouring village of Barkham, flying 
¥ off with a rabbit in its claws, and was not afterwards heard of in 
_ that district. I myself obtained a fine specimen in the flesh that 
‘was captured on the battle-field of Metz, in 1871. It had been 
noticed haunting the neighbourhood for more than a month, feeding 
on the carnage of the battle-field. It was at last trapped in nets, 
1 Captain Elliot Morres, R.N., of Matthews Green, Wokingham. 
VOL. XVII.—NO. XLIX, H 
