54 KITE. ° 
one there in the course of twelve years; one was caught on 
Trowlsworthy Warren, Dartmoor; one at Widey, in 1881; 
one at Saltram; and one at Sydenham, in 18385. <A few in 
Durham, Cumberland, Westmoreland, Essex, and Hertfordshire: 
very rarely in Gloucestershire—between Gloucester and Bristol, 
according to Mr. Knapp. 
It is said by J. J. Briggs, Esq., in his catalogue of the 
Birds of Melbourne, to be there sometimes seen sailing over 
the grass fields at a considerable height, in a steady and 
graceful manner; and the Rev. Messrs. Matthews, in their 
catalogue of the Birds of Oxfordshire, say likewise, that a few 
years ago it was so common there, that occasionally two or 
more might be seen at the same time about its favourite haunts, 
but that it has now become very scarce. 
In Ireland, it is stated by Smith, in his history of Cork, 
-which was completed in the year 1749, to have been at that 
time common. Now, however, it is said by William Thompson, 
Esq., of Belfast, to be known only as a very rare visitant. 
The Rev. Joseph Stopford has seen it at Ballincollig Castle, 
in 1827, and near Blarney. In the park of Shanes Castle, 
the seat of Lord O’Neil, two were seen by Mr. Adams, his 
Lordship’s gamekeeper, one about the year 1830, and the other 
in March, 1835. Others are said to have been observed in 
the same park in previous years; and one was once seen by 
Wilham Ogilby, Esq., in the county of Londonderry. 
It retires in great numbers from the north of Europe to 
Egypt and the northern shores of Africa, before winter, 
staying there to breed, and returning again in April to 
Europe, where it breeds a second time, contrary to the nature 
of rapacious birds in general. It remains with us the whole 
year, but may be, and indeed probably is, partially migratory. 
The flight of the Kite is rapid, and, like several other 
birds of prey, it soars at times to a vast height, and there 
frequently remains for hours together, seemingly in the tranquil 
enjoyment of its easy exercise; sometimes it ascends beyond 
the reach of human vision: doubtless, however, its sight far 
excelling ours, it can perceive objects in the ‘vast profound;’ 
and at times it descends from a great altitude upon its prey, 
with astonishing swiftness. One of the vernacular names of 
this bird, the Glead or Gled, is derived, according to Pennant, 
from the Saxon word ‘glida,’ descriptive of its gliding motion. 
Wheeling round and round, supported on its extensive wings, 
and guided by the steering of its wide tail, it thus by degrees 
