1 6 BRITISH BIRDS. 



white ; the inner webs, except the two middle 

 feathers, are marked with undefined or indistinct 

 darkish bars or spots ; the under parts rufous, with 

 longitudinal brown streaks or spots ; the sides of 

 the neck to the nape are also -rufous ; and the 

 cheeks faintly partake of the same colour ; the chin 

 white; legs yellow; claws black. 



The Merlin, though small, is not inferior in 

 courage to any of the Falcon tribe. It was used 

 for taking Larks, Partridges, and Quails, which it 

 would frequently kill by one blow, striking them 

 on the breast, head, or neck. It flies low, and with 

 great celerity and ease. It preys on small birds ; 

 breeds in wild moory districts in the northern parts 

 of Britain; and lays four or five eggs thickly mot- 

 tled with rusty brown. 



