XVIII 



KITE 



F there is one bird more than another in which I 

 am interested, it is the one which forms the subject 

 of these pages. And the Kite is a bird of which 

 every dweller in these islands should be proud, for 

 the more I see of our British Kite the more I am 

 convinced that it is a finer and better variety of its species than 

 can be found elsewhere in the world. Most people are aware that 

 it is a very rare bird, and to my knowledge only about eight pairs 

 are to be found in the whole of Great Britain. If it had not 

 been for the efforts of a few Welsh bird-lovers, the Kite would 

 ere this have been numbered amongst our lost British birds. 

 Every one who is interested in our rare breeding birds is greatly 

 indebted to the energies of these Welshmen, who have spent so 

 much time and money in endeavouring to save this noble bird 

 from extinction ; and of this I am certain, that had it not been for 

 the labours of the Rev. D. Edmondes Owen and Mr. Gwynne- 

 Vaughan and one or two others, the Kite would not have been 

 found breeding at the present day. 



I often wonder if some egg-collectors have any conscience or 

 morals. Anyway, if they have, I consider that those who take 

 clutches of Kites' eggs are to be ranked with the lowest house- 

 breaker or common thief. These men know that the nests are 

 protected ; they are well aware that a large sum of money is 



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