IN THE NORWICH MUSEUM. 31 
of which, the Merlin, is well-known as the smallest of 
the Falcons indigenous to Great Britain. This species 
is sometimes trained by falconers to the pursuit of the 
lark ; and in former days, when falconry was common, 
was chosen for the use of ladies, being of course much 
lighter than the larger Falcons, which the gentlemen of 
olden times were in the habit of carrying to the field. 
The Merlin is widely spread over Europe and Asia, 
and also visits the northern portions of the African 
Continent. 
In America it 1s replaced by a nearly-allied but 
slightly smaller species, there called the “ Pigeon- 
Hawk,” respecting which the late John James Audubon 
wrote as follows :— 
**Tt is when the shores of our eastern rivers are swarming 
with myriads of Rice-buntings, and other migratory birds, that 
the daring feats of this little spirited Falcon are displayed. * * 
* * * As you are gazing in astonishment at the multitudes of 
feathered travellers, all of a sudden a larger bird attracts your 
eye; it sweeps along in the stillness of the autumnal evening 
with a rapidity seldom equalled, creating confusion, terror, and 
dismay along the whole shore. The flocks rise en masse, with a 
fluttering which comes strangely on your ear; double, and 
double again, turn and wind over the marsh, agitated and fear- 
ful of imminent danger; and now closely crowded they would 
fain escape, but alas! one has been singled out, and in the 
twinkling of an eye, the Pigeon-Hawk, darting into the middle 
of the flock, seizes and carries him off. * * * * The daring 
spirit which the Pigeon-Hawk displays, exceeds that of any 
other Hawk of its size. It seizes the Red-breasted Thrush, the 
Wild Pigeon, and even the Golden-winged Woodpecker on 
