GOSHAWK AND PEREGRINE. 167 



descending in a swoop upon its prey, it pursues it 

 in a direct line, and after driving it into a bush or 

 cover, takes up its own position on the nearest 

 tree, where it waits patiently until hunger or 

 necessity compels the poor bird to leave its place 

 of concealment; when cat-like it darts upon its 

 victim, and secures it without difficulty. It is 

 accordingly better adapted for a wooded or en- 

 closed country than the peregrine ; for pheasants 

 and partridges than for grouse or ptarmigan. Its 

 character too is altogether devoid of that energy 

 and perseverance that are so conspicuous in the 

 falcon. If the quarry should gain an advantage 

 at the beginning of the chace, it frequently re- 

 linquishes the pursuit altogether, and settling on 

 the nearest branch, prepares to dart upon the 

 next passer by. It was not without reason there- 

 fore that this species, and some other hawks of 

 similar structure, habits, and character, were 

 styled ' ignoble ' by .our ancestors, to distinguish 

 them from the long winged, high-flying or ' noble ' 

 falcons. The movements of the goshawk how- 

 ever in cover are exceedingly rapid and effective. 

 Its short wings enable it to pass more easily 

 through the intervals of the boughs, while with 

 its long and fan-like tail it steers its way, and 

 performs marvellously intricate evolutions as it 

 pursues the pheasant, the blackcock, the hare, or 



