32 BIRDS OF THE WEST OF SCOTLAND. 



in some of the more carefully watched game preserves it is not so 

 numerous as it was twenty years ago, it cannot be called a scarce 

 species anywhere from Caithness to Wigtownshire. Even in Ayr- 

 shire, which is overrun by keepers, it breeds in considerable 

 numbers on the moors, especially in the north eastern quarter of 

 the county, and appears to elude destruction by its great skill in 

 hunting, as well as by the rapidity of its movements, when 

 flushed from its haunts. During autumn and winter it quits the 

 moors entirely, and descends beyond the limits of cultivation, even 

 to the sea-coast, where, by its vigilance and extraordinary activity, 

 it manages to fare well in comparative safety. At this season it 

 also resorts to large towns, taking up its quarters in church towers 

 and other tall buildings, and passes the entire winter among the 

 housetops, where, in fact, it is much safer than in the open fields. 

 I have seen it oftener than once frequenting slated roofs in the 

 heart of the city of Glasgow, and preying upon the pigeons that 

 are constantly seen dozing for warmth on the chimneys in many 

 of the public streets. In March, 1869, and February, 1870, two 

 male birds which had been captured in the city came into my 

 hands; they were both as black as a chimney sweep, and on 

 dissection, were found to have been preying on pigeons and 

 sparrows. Mr Brown also sent me, in December, 1869, a female 

 Merlin in the same disguised state of plumage, which had evi- 

 dently been a chimney haunter. 



The Merlin is easily tamed, and soon becomes a very interesting 

 pet. A few months ago, Dr Dewar bad a beautiful young male 

 in his possession, which was occasionally allowed its liberty in the 

 house. I have seen it come flying into the drawing room, heed- 

 less of the glare of gaslight, and make repeated attempts to perch 

 on the polished articles of furniture, or mantel-piece ornaments, 

 occasionally resulting in failures which were highly amusing. 

 Sometimes when settled to its mind, it remained perfectly still, 

 looking exactly like a bronze figure; but when approached or 

 spoken to, for it readily answered to its name " Charlie," it bent 

 forward its neck and became all eagerness, the querulous expres- 

 sion of its beautiful black eye being on these occasions unusually 

 interesting. 



When in pursuit of prey, this spirited little bird will rush head- 

 long anywhere, after getting fairly excited, and is rarely baffled 

 in its hunting expeditions, however large the object of chase. It 



