SHOOTING A FRIEND FOR A FOE. Ill 



intimation I have frequently received of the pre- 

 sence of the peregrine at Burton, has been the 

 sudden appearance of several " wisps of snipe," 

 even in open weather, among the low meadows at 

 a considerable distance ; and little parties of teal 

 and wild ducks congregating at every turn of the 

 river, where the high banks afforded them a 

 chance of concealment, and where, though com- 

 paratively exposed to greater danger, they might 

 be found until the death or expulsion of the 

 enemy from their old quarters. 



Specimens of this falcon have been shot near 

 Lewes, Newhaven, Seaford, Pevensey, and Rye, 

 in the eastern, and in the neighbourhood of Chi- 

 chester, Petworth, and Arundel, in the western 

 division of the county. It has also occurred 

 occasionally, though rarely, in the wooded portion 

 of the weald. A friend of mine has one in his 

 possession which was shot in that part of the coun- 

 try by a farmer, who mistook it for a wood-pigeon, 

 immense flocks of which abound there during the 

 acorn season. On the present occasion the man 

 was endeavouring to protect his ripe peas from 

 their depredations, and for this purpose, having 

 concealed himself behind a tree, and placed a 

 stuffed pigeon, as a decoy, in the middle of the 

 field, he awaited the arrival of the first party that 

 might pass within reach of his gun. He had not 



