338 The Sparrow Hawk 



satisfied, and, after killing them, would leave them 

 on the fence or the limb of a tree. 



This pet hawk rendered another good service, by 

 guarding the chickens, although it was probably unin- 

 tentional on his part, putting to flight all crows or 

 hawks that came about the poultry yard. One day, 

 while endeavoring to drive away a large hawk, a 

 fierce fight ensued. The larger hawk retreated toward 

 the woods, but the combat was kept up until, as they 

 rose higher and higher, the watchers at the house lost 

 sight of them. When last seen each was trying to 

 gain the advantage that the more elevated position 

 afforded. The little sparrow hawk never came back; 

 whether he fell a victim to the larger hawk or 

 whether he was shot by some thoughtless gunner 

 will probably never be known. 



