IN THE NEST HAUNT OF THE KITE 279 



bark of a raven and then the bird itself rising from 

 the hillside proclaimed as much. A dead sheep was 

 the attraction, then ; and there above it in mid-air 

 were six Kites, three Buzzards, and the Raven. Of a 

 truth this sheep should have been preserved ! One 

 can almost imagine these Kites comparing notes on 

 the past breeding season. I say " past " because I 

 am sure that no hatch has come off in Wales at all 

 events. 



The Kite seems to show a decided social tendency, 

 except just as regards its nesting economy, though 

 in days gone by two or more pairs may have nested 

 in the same wood. 



Well, adieu, my poor friend ; but better luck to 

 thee next season. And do, I prithee, choose a more 

 out-of-the-way place for the next attempt to rear a 

 brood, as otherwise in the course of, say, five years 

 we shall know thee no more in " Our British Isles." 



