MARSH HARRIER. 239 



on some tuft of grass, or a slight eminence in the 

 vicinity of the marsh. The eggs are pure white, 

 and larger than those of the preceding birds. (See 

 Plate XXV. fig. 1.) 



The Marsh Harrier appears to be common in 

 many parts of England, but is rare generally in 

 Scotland, the western parts being too precipitous 

 for its habits. It would also seem to be partially 

 migratory, for it appears much more numerously 

 in one season than in another ; one year we 

 know of seven or eight specimens being killed 

 upon the Border, while, for the last ten years, it 

 has been comparatively rare. The general cha- 

 racter of Ireland is also unfavourable for the 

 abundance of this species. It occurs, however, 

 m various localities, breeds on the mountains of 

 Monaghon, and of Ballynascreen, Londonderry, 

 but is rare in Donegal.* On the Continent it is 

 found in similar localities, is very rare in Alpine 

 or precipitous districts, and is extremely common 

 in the low lying countries. In Holland, for 

 instance, it is abundant, five or six being often 

 seen at a time sailing over the reedy margins of 

 the lakes or rivers, and one or two are always 

 appearing as some other creek or bay opens to 

 the view 



* W. Thompson, Mag. of Zool. and Bot. fi. p. 175. 

 We do not know the character of these Irish mountains, 

 but we have not known the bird to breed in Alpine 

 regions. 



