THE FALCON. 71 



the air. It was a pretty sight ; but we did not 

 think it repaid us for the consequences, should 

 they have honoured us by staying a fortnight on 

 oiu- mountains. But we did not go out falcon- 

 shooting the next day, for we should not have 

 known within twelve miles in any direction 

 where to look for them. 



We do not suppose the cat or the fox ever 

 Hved who ever caught one. They can have 

 no enemy but man, and generally die of old 

 age. 



We gave ten shillings for each one that was 

 brought us, but with four guns always out we 

 never during six years knew one killed between 

 the months of July and March. We paid one 

 man, however, for seven before the middle of May 

 in one year. These birds were all shot before an 

 egg was hatched. We never left their young to 

 starve, as they are every day leaving the young 

 of other birds. As Dr. Gunther tells the Com- 

 mittee, birds of prey ought to be destroyed 

 during their breeding season because ' it is then 



