370 
years since, although others have seen individuals more recently. We are 
not aware that this hawk breeds near this place; but in the less frequented 
parts of our State, and in the neigh- 
borhood of water, the nests may some- 
times be seen. On the Upper Lakes 
these birds are very numerous; and 
along the rapids of Sault Ste. Marie, 
Dr. Garlick informs us he has seen 
them plying their trade with great 
diligence, darting into the water and 
bringing up white-fish of the largest 
size. Atone time, this gentleman ob- 
served a hawk endeavoring to carry 
off two large fish, one grasped in each foot, but finding the weight too 
great, dropped one and bore off the other. 
For a long time our species was considered identical with that of Kurope 
—P. halicetus—and it is figured and described by both Wilson and Audu- 
bon as such. Cassin, however, is of a different opinion, and says: ‘The 
American Osprey is very similar to that of the Old Continent, and speci- 
mens from Western America even more intimately resemble it. It is, 
however, larger, and retains, in all the specimens that we have seen, differ- 
ently formed spots on the breast, being heart-shaped and circular, instead of 
narrow and lanceolate, as in the European species.” 
In habits, all the fish-hawks are models of industry, and are perfectly 
harmless to everything but fish. They never attack quadruped or bird, 
although armed in the most dangerous manner. Their flight is elegant, 
sweeping in beautiful curves. When he sees a fish suited to his wants, he 
descends with great swiftness into the water, often disappearing for a few 
moments among the foam and spray, but soon emerging, he rises with his 
struggling victim grasped in his powerful talons. It he bears to his erye, 
supplying his family with abundance of food. In America, the nest is 
generally to be found on trees; but in Hurope, some ancient ruin is pre- 
ferred. It is large, and in general sufficient to make a good load for a 
cart. The materials are sticks of various sizes, and mingled with grass, 
and sea-weed if in the neighborhood of the ocean. The eggs are from two 
to four, of the shape of those of the common fowl, but a little larger, and 
vary from dark cream-color to white splashed with dark Spanish brown all 
