X 



THE MERLIN, 



Fa (CO (csfdoH. 



LTHOUGH the Meilm is the 

 smallest of the British falcons 

 proper, it possesses as much 

 indoniitabje pluck as any of 

 the larg-er members of the 

 family; indeed, the freedom 

 and audacity it evinces in 

 attacking birds of a superior 

 size to itself, is even a more 

 noticeable characteristic in 

 the IVIerlin than in the other 

 falcons. In common with 

 the Pere gri ne, this bird was 

 much used in falconry, and 

 was considered, especially in 

 connection with partridges, 

 to show very excellent sport 

 indeed, strikmg them down 

 with unerring' accuracy. The 

 Merlin captures its prey either 

 on the ground or whilst fly- 

 ing, and will frequently select 

 a victim from a flock of small 

 birds, and follow it in the 



M. 



