198 FIFTEEN DAYS ON THE DANUBE. 
hawks and Common Kites, one or two pairs of each species, 
seemed to be nesting at the other end of the wood, for when 
things got quieter they dropped down in that direction. As 
for the Black Kites, here, as elsewhere, the commonest rap- 
torial birds of Southern Hungary and Slavonia, they were 
breeding in all parts of the wood; but I did not vouchsafe 
them the slightest attention, my object being to secure for our 
collection a Pygmy Hagle in the dark plumage. 
It was so very interesting to watch the various doings of all 
these birds, that I stayed a long time in my hiding-place while 
Hodek went back to make a more thorough search for the 
wounded Hagle-Owl, though he unhappily met with no success. 
At last the birds quieted down, and I had pretty well made 
out in what direction I should have to look for the Pygmy 
Hagles, and was just preparing to move off, when a herd of 
swine appeared so suddenly that they seemed to have sprung 
out of the ground. These disgusting beasts, covered with a 
thick coating of dirt, crept out of the bushes, grunting and 
looking at me in amazement, and I must confess that, after all 
T had heard of the amiability of the Slavonian pigs, I was not 
much charmed at this sudden visit; but they seemed to be in 
a good humour to-day, as they passed close to me snuftling 
about, without honouring me with any further attentions. 
After this interlude I left the place, and soon discovered, 
on the lower branches of a thick oak, a nest which I at first 
took to be the abode of a Spotted Eagle. Hodek, who 
had come up after me, tried to drive out its occupant by 
striking the tree, but it was not until he had done this re- 
peatedly that a brown bird dashed out through the trees with 
a quick irregular flight. My first barrel brought it down, 
and on hurrying up to it I found that my wish was gratified, 
and that I had secured a fine and perfectly dark-coloured 
female Pygmy Eagle. I now at once hid myself under the 
nest to await the probable return of the male, as I was anxious 
