54 KITE. 



one there in the course of twelve years; one was caught on 

 Trowlsworthy Warren, Dartmoor; one at Widey, in 1831; 

 one at Saltram; and one at Sydenham, in 1835. A few in 

 Durham, Cumberland, Westmoreland, Essex, and Hertfordshire: 

 very rarely in Gloucestershire between Gloucester and Bristol, 

 according to Mr. Knapp. 



It is said by J. J. Briggs, Esq., in his catalogue of the 

 Birds of Melbourne, to be there sometimes seen sailing over 

 the grass fields at a considerable height, in a steady and 

 graceful manner; and the Rev. Messrs. Matthews, in their 

 catalogue of the Birds of Oxfordshire, say likewise, that a few 

 years ago it was so common there, that occasionally two or 

 more might be seen at the same time about its favourite haunts, 

 but that it has now become very scarce. 



In Ireland, it is stated by Smith, in his history of Cork, 

 which was completed in the year 1749, to have been at that 

 time common. Now, however, it is said by William Thompson, 

 Esq., of Belfast, to be known only as a very rare visitant. 

 The Rev. Joseph Stopford has seen it at Ballincollig Castle, 

 in 1827, and near Blarney. In the park of Shanes Castle, 

 the seat of Lord O'Neil, two were seen by Mr. Adams, his 

 Lordship's gamekeeper, one about the year 1830, and the other 

 in March, 1835. Others are said to have been observed in 

 the same park in previous years; and one was once seen by 

 William Ogilby, Esq., in the county of Londonderry. 



It retires in great numbers from the north of Europe to 

 Egypt and the northern shores of Africa, before winter, 

 staying there to breed, and returning again in April to 

 Europe, where it breeds a second time, contrary to the nature 

 of rapacious birds in general. It remains with us the whole 

 year, but may be, and indeed probably is, partially migratory. 



The flight of the Kite is rapid, and, like several other 

 birds of prey, it soars at times to a vast height, and there 

 frequently remains for hours together, seemingly in the tranquil 

 enjoyment of its easy exercise; sometimes it ascends beyond 

 the reach of human vision: doubtless, however, its sight far 

 excelling ours, it can perceive objects in the 'vast profound;' 

 and at times it descends from a great altitude upon its prey, 

 with astonishing swiftness. One of the vernacular names of 

 this bird, the dead or Cried, is derived, according to Pennant, 

 from the Saxon word 'glida,' descriptive of its gliding motion. 

 Wheeling round and round, supported on its extensive wings, 

 and guided by the steering of its wide tail, it thus by degrees 



