96 ORNITHOLOGICAL RAMBLES. 



on the calm summer nights as they pass to and fro 

 near my window ; for it assures me that they are 

 still safe ; and as I know that at least a qualified 

 protection is afforded them elsewhere, and that 

 even their arch-enemy the gamekeeper is begin- 

 ning reluctantly, but gradually, to acquiesce in 

 the general belief of their innocence and utility, I 

 cannot help indulging the hope that this bird will 

 eventually meet with that general encouragement 

 and protection to which its eminent services so 

 richly entitle it. 



