THE KESTR1L. Zo 



" Windhover ; " and there can scarcely be any one, how- 

 ever unobservant, who makes even but an occasional expe- 

 dition into the country, but has stopped and gazed with 

 delight on its skilful evolutions. Suspended aloft, with 

 its head turned towards the wind, but neither advancing 

 against the breeze, nor moved by it from its position, it 

 agitates its wings as regularly and evenly as if they were 

 turned on a pivot by machinery. Presently, impelled as 



it were by a spirit of restlessness, it suddenly darts for- 

 wards, perhaps ascending or descending a few feet, and 

 making a slight turn either to the right or the left. Then 

 it skims on with extended, motionless pinions, and once 

 more anchors itself to the air. But on what object is it 

 intent all this while? for that some design is present 

 here is indubitable. Not surely on the capture of birds, 



