KITS. 
PUTTOCK. FORK-TAILED KITE. GLEAD. 
BAREND, OF THE ANCIENT BRITISH. 
Milvus regalis, Brisson. 
Falco milvus, LINN.&US. 
Milvus Ictinus, SAVIGNY. 
“vulgaris, FLEMING. 
Milvus—A Kite. Regalis—Royal—regal. 
Tue Latin and English names of this species are, to say the 
least, inconsistent with each other, the word ‘Kite’ being equiv- 
alent in our language to the aed craven or coward, and the 
term ‘Royal’ being inseparable from the idea of spirit and 
bravery. Buffon however asserts that the name ‘Royal’ has 
been given to it, not from any supposed royalty in itself, but 
because in former times it was considered royal game. 
The Kite is common throughout Europe, being found even 
in very northern latitudes. It inhabits Italy, France, Switzer- 
land, and Germany; is very uncommon in Denmark, Sweden, 
Norway, Russia, and Siberia; and is met with, though rarely, 
in Holland. It is also found in various parts of the north of 
Africa, and over the greatest part of Asia. Clusius relates that 
these birds were formerly very abundant in the streets of London, 
and very tame; it being forbidden to kill them on account of 
the use they were of, in acting the part of scavengers. 
The Kite is described by authors as being local in this 
country, and strange indeed would it be if it were not. 
Where is a bird of its size, and of its handsome appearance, 
and which is moreover so easily caught in traps, and so 
destructive of game, to remain incognito, or in safety in these 
days? The marvel is that a single specimen survives, ‘sola 
