THE HOVERING OF THE KESTREL. 



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requires so much strength of wing or such an exer- 

 cise of force as when birds rise almost straight up. 

 Snipes do it, and woodcocks ; so also pheasants, rocket- 

 ing with tremendous effort; so also a sparrow in a 

 confined court, rising almost straight to the slates. 

 Evidently this needs great power. Hovering is very 

 interesting; but not nearly so mysterious as at least 

 one olVer power possessed by birds. 



