THE SPARROW-HAWK AND KESTREL. 203 



crossings and traversings are performed the least 

 admirable part of the scene : apparently intent alone 

 upon the capture of their prey, they dash along in 

 every adverse direction , yet each conducts its pro- 

 gress with such observance and precision, that they 

 never strike against, or impede the progress of 

 another. 



It was a very ancient observation (and modern 

 investigation seems fully to confirm it), that many 

 of the serpent race captured their prey by infatua- 

 tion or intimidation ; and there can be no doubt of 

 the fact, that instinctive terror will subdue the 

 powers of some creatures, rendering them stupi- 

 fied and motionless at the sudden approach of 

 danger. We have two kinds of petty hawks, the 

 sparrow-hawk (falco nisus) and the kestrel (falco 

 tinnunculus) , that seem fully to impress upon their 

 destined prey this species of intimidation. A 

 beautiful male bullfinch, that sat harmlessly peck- 

 ing the buds from a blackthorn by my side, when 

 overlooking the work of a labourer, suddenly ut- 

 tered the instinctive moan of danger, but made no 

 attempt to escape into the bush, seemingly de- 

 prived of the power of exertion. On looking 

 round, a sparrow-hawk was observed on motion- 

 less wing gliding rapidly along the hedge, and, 

 passing me, rushed on its prey with undeviating 

 certainty. There was fully sufficient time from the 

 moment of perception for the bullfinch to escape ; 

 but he sat still, waiting the approach of death, an 

 unresisting victim. We have frequently observed 



