1 8 Bird-keeping. 



house at night, and here the poor bird fell a victim to 

 a large rat, which probably stole upon her while she 

 was asleep, or she would have beaten him off. If 

 secured against such enemies, the partial liberty 

 allowed to this bird would keep it, and its compeers 

 in a much more healthful and happy condition than 

 the close confinement of a cage, in which birds of prey 

 look miserable. Care must be taken in September 

 and October, however, not to let the tame Kestrels be 

 loose all day, lest they should be enticed away by 

 their wild companions, as it is believed that they 

 migrate at that season of the year. Immense flights 

 of Hawks are seen to pass periodically over the 

 Mediterranean towards Africa then. 



KITES or GLEADS, so called from their gliding flight 

 (Milvus vulgaris), when taken from the nest, may be 

 easily tamed and rendered very engaging and docile. 

 A pair taken in Argyleshire were allowed a flight 

 every morning : they never flew far, but soared to a 

 great height in the air, always returning to the lure 

 or the hand when called. They preferred mice to 

 birds or any other food. When on the wing, they 

 would catch rats let out of a cage-trap in the most 

 expert manner. 



