of North Carolina. 175 



Distances, and will very readily find out where the Carrion or 

 Prey is, if it be even under the Leaves, or Boughs of Trees, 

 or slightly buried in the Earth by wild Beasts or Dogs. They 

 are said to be utter Enemies to all manner of Snakes, killing 

 all they meet with, for which reason the Planters seldom or 

 never destroy them or their Eggs. They do no manner of 

 Harm, feeding for the most part on dead Carcasses, which I 

 suppose is the cause that they are the stinkingest of any Birds 

 in these Parts. The Fat of this Fowl made into an Oil, is 

 recommended against old Aches, and Sciatica Pains. 



The Kites are much the same here as those with us in 

 Ireland, but not commonly so large. These Birds most com- 

 monly frequent the ;N"orthern parts of the Country, there 

 being but few to be met with in this Province ; and in South 

 Carolina they are seldom to be seen. It is said that they are 

 mortal Enemies to the Snakes, for which reason the Planters 

 seldom kill them, or destroy their Eggs. Their Flesh, though 

 it be of gross ^Nourishment, yet it is eaten by the poorer sort 

 of People in several parts of Europe. They are a very bold 

 Bird, and a great destroyer of young Poultry, and it is re- 

 markable when they see a young Duck, Chicken, cCc. far from 

 shelter, and lying exposed, hoAV they will fly round it for sev- 

 eral times, marking it, then of a sudden they dart down as 

 swift as Lightning, and catch it up before it is aware. A 

 Powder made of them eases the Gout, and helps the Epilepsy ; 

 the Grease is Effectual to the same Intention, and the Gall is 

 an excellent Remedy in most Disorders of the Eyes. 



The Snake-Haivh, or Herringtailed-Hawk, so called, from 

 it's beautiful forked Tail (like a Swallow) and it's killing 

 and feeding on Snakes, which it will do with the largest in 

 these parts, with a great deal of dexterity and ease. It is 



about 



