120 TOUR IN SUTHERLAND. CH. VIII. 



Osprey. There are few ranges of lofty and pre- 

 cipitous rock where this bird does not breed. The 

 nest is difficult of access, and the old birds shy and 

 wary ; nor are they easily trapped, as they do not 

 condescend to feed on any game which they have 

 not killed themselves : grouse, plovers, and wild- 

 fowl seem to be their principal food. 



5, 6. The Hobby or Goshawk I never saw in this 

 county, though I have no doubt of their being fre- 

 quent visitors here, particularly the former. The 

 Goshawk seems very rare everywhere in Scot- 

 land. 



7. The Merlin^ the smallest of our British falcons, 

 is not uncommon ; it builds in the long heather, 

 and preys on small birds, snipes, &c. Bold and 

 courageous, it will sometimes attack birds much 

 larger than itself. Owing to its high spirit and 

 daring the Merlin is not difficult to train for hunting, 

 and this beautiful little bird seems to have been 

 in former days the peculiar hawk used by ladies :— 



A merlin sat upon her wrist, 

 Held by a leash of silken twist. 



Its light weight would weary no lady's arm. 



8. The Kestrel is common everywhere, fi-om 

 north to south of the county ; building in every 

 cliff and rocky burn. Though ignorant gamekeepers 



