11 



OSPEEY. 



PISHING HAWK. 

 PLATE VI. 



Pandion haliaetus, SAVIGNY. 



Falco haliaetus, BEWICK. 



Balbusardus haliaetus, FLEMING. 



Aquila haliaetus, JENYNS. 



IP the lone tower whose time-worn remains still abut on the edge 

 of the solitary islet of the mountain lake, or hang over the gorge of 

 some precipitous ravine, could now 'a tale unfold/ many is the 

 startling legend it would tell many a deed of blood; of bravery or 

 of treachery; of honour or of shame. Now the Osprey is its sole 

 tenant. The eagle eye of the Highland chieftain long since saw at a 

 glance where the soul that looked through could best suit its plans, 

 and thither a kindred purpose guides the bird of prey. Any forsaken 

 building, too, if remote from human visitation, answers its motive as 

 well, and is accordingly resorted to. 



But not only has many an ancient fortress mouldered into dust 

 since the tenancy of the Osprey's lease, which dated perhaps from 

 the time that it was first left to go to ruin, was thus run out, and 

 has left the bird to seek a home elsewhere, 



'And down the lone vale sail away 

 To more profound repose,' 



but before its foundations were laid, the same want had to be supplied, 

 and the primeval rocks then gave the bird its secure shelter, even as 

 they still continue to do. Here, then, also the Osprey's nest is built, 

 upon the summit of an island crag, or on some strong natural fast- 

 ness by the border of the ocean, the river, or the lake. 



Trees are also built on; and where these birds are unmolested or 



