156 WOODLAND, MOOR, AND STREAM 



as you can ! ' Then he added in an aggrieved voice, ' I 

 don't think I could keep anything that might annoy 

 a neighbour.' 



I could say nothing in reply, for he had certainly 

 just cause for anger. After a skirmish the bird was 

 caught, and, tossing her into the air, I recom- 

 mended her to make tracks for a warmer climate. 

 Then I begged to be allowed to make good to my 

 neighbour the damage the bird had done, but he 

 behaved generously and declined that. ' No/ he 

 said ; 'you have got rid of her, and are going to let 

 the other loose when you go in, so we will not say 

 any more about the matter. I do not think you will 

 regret them, from the noise I have heard them make 

 at times.' 



I quite agreed with him ; as pets I had found 

 them a failure. 



The common buzzard, puttock, mouse-hawk, or 

 mole-catcher, all which names are given to the same 

 bird, might be more properly called the ^common 

 buzzard. When on the wing he is a very imposing- 

 looking bird. When seen at a distance he has 

 occasionally been taken for an eagle even by those 

 who ought to be acquainted with the birds of prey. 

 If tamed he is sociable and amusing, when kindly 

 treated. A noble-looking bird I consider him, but I 



