98 On the Occurrence of some of the Rarer Species of Birds 
and sent alive to England, where however it soon pined in confine- 
ment and died. This bird measured three feet from beak to tail, 
and its expanse of wing was seven feet four inches. This specimen 
is an unusually interesting one—affording, as it does, a practical 
illustration of the literal truth of our Blessed Lord’s words, as 
rendered in our English version: “ Wheresoever the carcase is, there 
will the eagles be gathered together.” ! 
Pandion Halieetus, “The Osprey.’ This bird still visits the 
neighbourhood of Christchurch, and is commonly known to the in- 
habitants by the name of the “ Mullet Hawk.” It occurs there 
annually with great regularity, appearing generally in the month 
of October; and sometimes, though less frequently, in the spring. 
So regular is it in its autumn appearance in the estuary, that as 
often as the local fair comes round, which is held on October 17th, 
the remark may be heard in the district, “‘ Now we must look out 
for the Ospreys.” “ We get it yearly,” writes Mr. Hart, in the obliging 
notes he has supplied me with. Three were killed there last year 
(1875), two of which went to Lord Malmesbury’s collection, and the 
third Mr. Hart has in hisown museum. Another bird appeared there 
this spring, which chose the mouth of the river Stour for its usual 
haunts, and after visiting the bay for some weeks, finally escaped in 
safety. This seems seldom to be the case, as the extreme regularity 
which they observe, both in their hours of feeding, and the line of 
flight which they pursue to and from their favourite fishing grounds, 
makes their capture comparatively easy. Since the year 1870 Mr, 
Hart has had eight specimens pass through his hands for preservation, 
some of which he has himself shot, viz., in 1870, two specimens ; in 
1871, one ditto; in 1872, one ditto; in 1874, one ditto; and in 
1875, three ditto. Mr. Rawlence, of Wilton, has a fine bird in his 
collection which was captured at Shear-water, near Warminster, in 
this county. It was taken by means of a spring set under the 
water, and baited with a large trout, which it still holds in its claws. 
Another good specimen was killed at the pond at Sandhill Park, 
1It is well-known that the Sea Eagle is at times not impartial to carrion. 
The Golden Eagle rarely condescends to touch it, unless driven to it by scarcity 
of food; when the latter species also will make. a hearty meal off it. 
