A Paradise of Vermin 213 



by the other birds than any of the company. When either 

 Crow or Falcon pressed them too closely, they uttered 

 angry cries, and, turning on their sides, extended their 

 talons in a very business-like way, that generally had the 

 desired effect of terminating the annoyance for the time 

 being. When they in turn stooped at any of the other 

 birds, they did so with half-closed wings, uttering a low 

 scream and dropping their legs as they passed, and even 

 the Crows seemed disposed to treat them with more respect 

 than the Falcons. 



It was in this glen that I saw the Marten and Buzzard 

 in such close proximity to one another, referred to in 

 Chapter XL. Amidst this grand collection of " vermin," 

 a Ring Ouzel, and several Pipits, and Wheatears, also had 

 their nests, and frequently would be singing below, while 

 one or more of the raptores were on the wing above. 

 Familiarity had in their case evidently bred contempt of 

 danger, though one could hardly imagine their leading other 

 than rather anxious lives, especially when their young began 

 to get upon the wing. 



