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Canaries and Cage-Birds. 



The Merlin is the smallest of the British Falcons, but is a very handsome little bird, 

 of such great powers of flight and undaunted spirit, that it was formerly greatly used in 

 falconry, especially by ladies, being often sent in pursuit of birds much larger than itself, 

 but which it would easily kill by one sharp blow. Though, if required as a pet, it should 

 be reared from the nest, yet it is easily tamed even if adult when taken, and is then 

 more desirable for training for falconry. The form of the Merlin is the model of perfection 



YOUNG SNOW OWL. 



as regards ho.wking, as its body is compactly shaped and muscular, with great depth of 

 chest and a clean round head. In confinement it should be fed as recommended for the 

 Peregrine. 



The Kestrel is a more common bird than any of the preceding, being the most general 

 of all British Hawks. It is often confused with the Sparrow-hawk by the uninformed, but 

 it is smaller than that bird, and of a reddish-brown on the back and wings, shaded with grey 

 on the head and neck. It also has the name of Windhover, which is obtained from its habit 

 of remaining suspended with outstretched wings in the air, whilst anxiously watching for the 

 slightest movement amongst the grass that may betray the presence of its prey, which principally 



