HISTORY OF CALIFORNIA. 317 



and dogs in their pursuit of game, availing itself of 

 their assistance, shows at once the little trouble com- 

 paratively speaking, requisite for reclaiming and train- 

 ing it. A knowledge of the service rendered by dogs 

 and men in putting up game, thereby giving it the 

 opportunity of striking it, is intuitive. In disposition 

 it is confident and docile; and with patience, kind 

 treatment, and proper management, its training is 

 soon effected. 



The Peregrine Falcon, breeds on the ledges of pre- 

 cipitous rocks, laying four eggs, of a reddish brown 

 color, with darker blotches and variegations. 



The Fen Falcon (Falco Islandicus) is large, strong, 

 exceedingly compact and very firm in its plumage. 

 The male bird is about twenty'two inches long, and the 

 stretch of its wings about four feet. The female is 

 Still larger. This bird is found in Upper California. 



Among other birds of the Falcon tribe are the 

 Sparrow Hawk, (Falco Sparverius), Pigeon Hawk, 

 {Falco Columbarius), and the Gos Hawk (Accipiter 

 Columbarius). 



There are several species of the Owl in California. 

 Among these is the Hawk Owl (Strix Funerea), a 

 remarkable species which forms the connecting link 

 between the falcons and the hawks. This bird preys 

 on small birds, and sometimes follows the hunter like 

 a falcon and boldly siezes the wounded game as it 

 flutters on the ground. He also feeds on mice, squir- 

 rels, and insects. Sometimes the Hawk Owls are 

 observed to hover round the camp fires of the natives 

 in quest of any offal or rejected game. 



The Virginian Horned Owl (Bubo Virginia' >us), 

 common in the United States and the fur cou^cries, 

 is found here. The flight of this bird is elevated, 



27* 

 15* 



