86 HfSTOUY OF 



of all Others, have the greatest strength and courage relative to 

 their size. While the kite or the goss-hawk approach their 

 prey sideways, these dart perpendicularly, in their wild state, 

 upon their game, and devour it on the spot, or carry it off, if not 

 too large for their power of flying. They are sometimes seen 

 descending perpendicularly from the clouds, from an amazing 

 height, and darting down on their prey with inevitable swiftness 

 and destruction. 



The more ignoble race of birds make up by cunning and as- 

 siduity what these claim by force and celerity. Being less cou- 

 rageous, they are more patient ; and having less swiftness, they 

 are better skilled at taking their prey by surprise. The kite, 

 that may be distinguished from all the rest of this tribe by his 

 forky tail and his slow floating motion, seems almost for ever 

 upon the wing.* He appears to rest himself, upon the bosom 

 of the air, and not to make the smallest effort in flying. He 

 lives only upon accidental carnage, almost every bird in the air 

 is able to make good its retreat against him. He may be, there- 

 fore, considered as an insidious thief, who only prowls about, 

 and when he finds a small bird wounded or a young chicken 



* The Kite is variously diffused throughout England, being a common 

 bird in many parts of the country, and rare in others. In all the wooded 

 districts of the eastern and midland counties it is abundant : it is also met 

 with in Westmoreland ; but is seldom seen in the northern parts of York, 

 shire, in Durham, or Northumberland. In Scotland, it occurs plentifully 

 in Aberdeenshire, and is found also in the immediate vicinity of Loch Ka- 

 terine, and of Ben Lomond. It is proverbial for the ease and gracefulness 

 of its flight, which generally consists of large and sweeping circles, per. 

 formed with a motionless wing, or at least with a slight and almost imper- 

 ceptible stroke of its pinions, and at very distant intervals. In this manner, 

 nnd directing its course by aid of the tail, wliich acts as a rudder, and whose 

 slightest motion produces effect, it frequently soars to such a height as to 

 become almost invisible to the human eye. The prey of the kite consists of 

 young game, leverets, rats, mice, lizards, &c. which it takes by pouncing 

 upon the ground. It is a great depredator in farm-yards after chickens, 

 young ducks, and goslings ; and is in consequence bitterly retaliated upon 

 ns a common enemy in those districts where it abounds. It will also, under 

 the pressure of hunger, devour offal and carrion, and has been known to 

 prey upon dead fish. 



It breeds early in the spring, in extensive woods, generally making its nest 

 In the fork of a large tree. The nest is composed of sticks, lined with wool, 

 hair, and other soft materials. The eggs are rather larger than those of a 

 lien, and rarely exceed three in number. Tliey are of a greyish-white, 

 S|)i-ckli-d with brownish-orange, principally at the larger end ; but some, 

 liinc.s they are found quite plain. 



