198 FIFTEEN DATS ON THE DANUBE. 



hawks and Common Kites, one or two pairs of each species, 

 seemed to be nesting at the other end of the wood, for when 

 things got quieter they dropped down in that direction. As 

 for the Black Kites, here, as elsewhere, the commonest rap- 

 torial birds of Southern Hungary and Slavonia, they were 

 breeding in all parts of the wood; but I did not vouchsafe 

 them the slightest attention, my object being to secure for our 

 collection a Pygmy Eagle in the dark plumage. 



It was so very interesting to watch the various doings of all 

 these birds, that I stayed a long time in my hiding-place while 

 Hodek went back to make a more thorough search for the 

 wounded Eagle-Owl, though he unhappily met with no success. 

 At last the birds quieted down, and I had pretty well made 

 out in what direction I should have to look for the Pygmy 

 Eagles, and was just preparing to move off, when a herd of 

 swine appeared so suddenly that they seemed to have sprung 

 out of the ground. These disgusting beasts, covered with a 

 thick coating of dirt, crept out of the bushes, grunting and 

 looking at me in amazement, and I must confess that, after all 

 I had heard of the amiability of the Slavonian pigs, I was not 

 much charmed at this sudden visit ; but they seemed to be in 

 a good humour to-day, as they passed close to me snuffling 

 about, without honouring me with any further attentions. 



After this 'interlude I left the place, and soon discovered, 

 on the lower branches of a thick oak, a nest which I at first 

 took to be the abode of a Spotted Eagle. Hodek, who 

 had come up after me, tried to drive out its occupant by 

 striking the tree, but it was not until he had done this re- 

 peatedly that a brown bird dashed out through the trees with 

 a quick irregular flight. My first barrel brought it down, 

 and on hurrying up to it I found that my wish was gratified, 

 and that I had secured a fine and perfectly dark-coloured 

 female Pygmy Eagle. I now at once hid myself under the 

 nest to await the probable return of the male, as I was anxious 



