Mr. R. Swiuhoe on Amoy Omithologij . 53 



that in size it looked no bigger than a small Kite. Its wings 

 did not quiver, but it closed and expanded its tail, and, 

 with side twists of this natural rudder and slight turns of its 

 wings, it sailed in large easy circles, rising to a greater height 

 and gradually descending on an incline to rise again and sail 

 another circle. Again it would stand in air, and drawing for- 

 ward its wing-bends to its head, and the quills to the body, 

 with closed tail, dart or shoot obliquely downwards, checking 

 its fall with a sudden expansion of the wings, to sail in the 

 same calm manner again *. It showed, however, no inclina- 

 tion to lower itself from its exalted position ; and for fear of 

 losing it I tried a long shot with loose No. 4 Its wing was 

 touched and it looked troubled and shook itself, but soon again 

 recovered. I tried the other barrel, but without the least effect. 

 In despair I rushed back to the house, rammed home a green 

 cartridge, and speedily returned to my position at the foot of 

 the flagstaff. The bird seemed to be making off; but, to my 

 delight, it presently took a long sweep, and, as if fearless of my 

 humble efforts, sailed over the house. Now or never was my 

 chance, I felt, and with a forlorn hope I took steady aim and 

 fired. The bird staggered and fell ; its right wing was broken, 

 but its pluck not ; it flapped the left vehemently, and bit fran- 

 tically at the wound on the right, which caused the extremity 

 of that wing to dangle useless, notwithstanding the efforts of 

 the fractured stump to keep it sustained. Still righting, still 

 struggling, the unfortunate wandei'er reeled downwards in nar- 

 row circles, amidst the shouts of the Chinese in view, till it 

 reached the earth with a thump. We rushed to pick it up, and 

 found that it had vomited two fish, each about four inches long, 

 one of them well known to the servants as occurring in the 

 market. The bird lay on its side, and courageously showed 

 fight with beak and claws. I had it placed on the tiled floor 

 of the verandah ; it attempted to walk, but only tumbled about. 

 The smooth surface did not suit its short toes and pointed claws. 

 It dropped on one side, keeping one leg suspended, which qui- 

 vered incessantly from nervousness. 



* I have seen Kites peilonu this darliiiy luovciut'iit, but niucli more 

 eluuisily. 



