52 STOEIES OF BIRDS AND BEASTS 



me ; for I am able to take care of myself, and quite 

 independent. 



"I do not even have to build my own nest. In 

 February, when I need a home, there is always an 

 old Crow's or Hawk's nest ready for me ; and as for 

 my young, they are hardy and need no pampering! 

 Whooo-ooo-hooo ooo ! Hands off, Bird and House 

 People ! The Great Horned Owl knows how to use 

 both beak and claws ! " 



"Bound over for trial," said the Eagle, "and you 

 are lucky not to be committed for contempt of court." 



" He is a very cross bird to talk so, even if he does 

 some good," whispered Dodo to Rap ; for the Doctor 

 had given the Owl's hoot so cleverly it all seemed real 

 to the children. Then Judge Eagle spoke again : 



" Now for my brothers whose keen eyes can look at 

 the sun himself you who strike with the claws and 

 rend with the beak in open daylight it is your turn 

 to speak. Marsh Hawk, where and how do you live ?" 



The Marsh Hawk was nineteen inches in length, with 

 a long tail, pointed wings, and Owl-like face. At first 

 glance he seemed to be a bluish-gray bird, but on close 

 inspection one could see that his under parts were white, 

 mottled with brown, and there was also a large white 

 patch on his rump. He spoke very clearly and said: 



" I roam all over North America, wherever there is 

 open country and free flying, and make my nest on the 

 ground wherever I find tufted grass or reeds to hide it. 

 Marsh lands please me best, and so I am called the 

 Marsh Hawk. The voices of the Hawk Brotherhood 

 are like the voices of the winds, far-reaching, but not to 

 be put in words. Mine is one of the softest of the cries 



