176 The Natural Historic 



about the bigness of a Falcon, but a much longer Bird. They 

 are a beautiful Fowl, of a delicate Aurora Colour, the Pin- 

 ions of their Wings, and ends of their Tails, are of a jet 

 Black. They never appear abroad in this Province but in 

 Summer, and what becomes of them in Winter is unknown. 

 They are in the greatest Request amongst the Planters (who 

 will not suffer them to be killed) by Reason of their destroy- 

 ing those pernicious Insects, so hurtful to Mankind. They 

 are a tame and familiar Fowl, will fly near one, and take 

 their Prey, which is both diverting and pleasing to the Euro- 

 peans especially ; as for the Indians they do not regard them. 

 It is strange to see how they are brought to those places where 

 the Snakes are, about which they will flie for Hours together, 

 'till they have an Opportunity of killing some of them; and 

 it is always a certain sign of Snakes being near those places 

 where ever you meet them thus flyng. I have observed, when 

 they take a Snake, that they always seize it in their Tallons 

 near the Head, and flie or drag it some distance before they 

 prey upon it, which they do by tearing it in pieces. It's 

 Virtues and Uses are unknown to any in those Parts. 



The Goss-HawJcs are very plenty here, but do not appear 

 to be as large as those from the Northern parts of Europe, 

 yet seem to be a very bold, swift and active Bird in pursuing 

 and taking their Prey, which is Geese, Ducks, Cranes, Hares, 

 Rabbets, and the like. The Flesh is fat and sweet, may be 

 used as Food and Hath much the same Virtues with that of 

 the Kite. The Dung is exceeding hot, and being drank fast- 

 ing in Wine, is said to cause Conception. 



The Falcons are much the same as in Europe, but s(om to 

 be not altogether so large, yet they are a brave, brisk, and 



(]uick-sighted 



