72 FISH-HAWK, OR OSPREY. 



choler apparently redoubled. Fortunately for me, I struck him 

 on the extreme joint of the right wing with my stick, which 

 brought him to the ground. During this contest the female was 

 flying round and round at a respectful distance, captain H. held 

 him till I tied my handkerchief about his legs; the captain felt 

 the effect of his claws. I brought away a young one to keep the 

 old one in a good humour. I put them in a very large coop; the 

 young one ate some fish, when broken and put into its throat; 

 but the old one would not eat for two days. He continued sul- 

 len and obstinate, hardly changing his position. He walks about 

 now, and is approached without danger; he takes very little no- 

 tice of the young one. A Joseph Smith, working in the field 

 where this nest is, had the curiosity to go up to look at the 

 eggs; the bird clawed his face in a shocking manner; his eye 

 had a narrow escape. I am told that it has never been considered 

 dangerous to approach a Hawk's nest. If this be so, this bird's 

 character is peculiar; his affection for his young, and his valiant 

 opposition to an invasion of his nest, entitle him to conspicuous 

 notice. He is the Prince of Fish-Hawks; his character and his 

 portrait seem worthy of being handed to the historic muse. A 

 Hawk more worthy of the honour which awaits him could not 

 have been found. I hope no accident will happen to him, and 

 that he may fully answer your purpose. 



" Yours, 



"THOMAS SMITH. 



"This morning the female was flying to and fro, making a 

 mournful noise." 



The young of the Fish-Hawk are remarkable for remaining 

 long in the nest before they attempt to fly. Mr. Smith's letter 

 is dated June 30th, at which time, he observes, they were as 

 large as pullets, and full feathered. Seventeen days after, I my- 

 self ascended to this same Hawk's nest, where I found the two 

 remaining young ones seemingly full grown. They made no 

 attempts to fly, though they both placed themselves in a stern 

 posture of defence, as I examined them at my leisure. The fe- 

 male had procured a second helpmate; but he did not seem to 



