102 On the Occurrence of some of the Rarer Species of Birds 
A bystander then went to pick up the Peewit, which had taken 
refuge in a clump of rushes, thinking that it was dead, but it had 
just strength enough left to rise, and clear the bridge, when it would 
have escaped, had it not begun “ Pee-witting” again in a most 
foolish manner, which once more attracted the attention of the 
Peregrine, who had then given up the chase. They both then dis- 
appeared down the meadows, leaving the result of the chase uncertain 
—but the Peewit was so tired it evidently could not mount the air 
a second time, and in all probability was taken. If so the Falcon 
did that which a Peregrine is very seldom able to accomplish single- 
handed, as, owing to the wonderful twists and turns in the air that 
the Peewit is accustomed to make, it is one of the very hardest birds 
to strike. There is much more that I could add about the Peregrine, 
but space forbids my doing so. 
I will only say that it was recently suggested to me that the 
prevalence of the Peregrine Falcon in this district might, be partially 
accounted for by the escape of numerous Falcons belonging to the 
Hawking Club which annually visits this neighbourhood. For my 
own part I can neither corroborate nor deny this statement ; but I 
doubt if it has much to do with the matter; and as long as the 
spire of our noble Cathedral stands, there undoubtedly will the 
Peregrines be occasionally seen, as from its great height, it affords 
a most attractive and secure resting place for them. They used at 
one time regularly to roost there in the winter months, but I have 
never known them attempt to build on the spot. I would add, as 
a concluding remark, that no year has passed within the last fifteen 
years or so, without my having noticed this species once or twice 
during the twelve months, in our immediate district. 
Fulco Subbuteo, “the Hobby Falcon.” On the occurrence of this 
species I notice in Professor Newton’s re-edition of Yarrell, the 
following remarks: “ Jn Somerset Mr. Cecil Smith says that it is a 
very rare bird. It does not seem to be much commoner in Dorset and 
Wilts.” I am glad to be able to throw a little further light on the 
subject as to the frequency of the occurrence of this pretty little 
Falcon in the last-named county of Wilts. Both from my own 
observation, and from the reliable testimony of others, I am able to 
