THE BUZZARD. 145 



his own amusement. The Falcon, when he pursues 

 the timid lark, at the command of his master, does not 

 do it for the purpose of satisfying his own hunger, or 

 that of the sportsman, but he is taught to do this 

 merely to gratify the curiosity of a number of idle 

 spectators. It is therefore certain, that Hawking is 

 both unjust and wicked, because it gives great pain, 

 without satisfying any natural appetite, and exhibits a 

 scene of wanton cruelty, calculated to harden the 

 hearts, and deprave the tastes of men, without any- 

 good motive. 



THE BUZZARD. 



What kind of a bird is the Buzzard ? 



The Buzzard is a bird of the falcon kind, but is far 

 less beautiful, and not so swift, nor so easily taught as 

 the true falcon. 



How large is this bird ? 



His length is about a foot and a half, and with the 

 wings spread, he is about three feet and a half in extent. 



What is the colour of this bird ? 



His back is of a dark ash colour, which grows paler 

 along the breast, and under parts ; his wings and tail 

 are marked with dark coloured bars ; the legs are 

 yellowish, and the claws black. 



What is the form of the Buzzard ? 



The form and appearance of this bird are between 

 those of the falcon and the owl. His body, wings, 

 and tail are short, like those of the owl, and his eyes 

 are similar to the owl's, but not so large. His legs, 

 claws, and bill, are like those of the falcon. 



