STOKIES ABOUT BIRDS. 



803 



€^t IJiistnA. 



^.^" 



^ HIS is the largest land bird in Eng- 

 ^^^ land. It is larger than the turkey. 

 J This bird was once very numerous 

 there, but at present it is very 

 rarely found. One reason, perhaps, 

 why there are so few of them seen now 

 is owing to the delicacy of their flesh. They 

 are very highly valued on this account. Their 

 usual custom is to confine themselves within 

 the circuit of an extensive barren plain. This 

 they do to avoid the hunter. Having sentinels 

 continually looking out for danger, the moment 

 an enemy is discovered, notice is given to the 

 company, and they instantly take to flight. 

 It is in vain that the cunning hunter creeps 

 cautiously and stealthily along toward them 

 without making any noise. They are too wide 

 awake to allow the enemy to approach near 



