198 THE MERLIN. 



Of this two instances have occurred, and in both 

 were observed four young birds. The eggs, on 

 the authority of the Portland Museum, are said to 

 be of a plain chocolate-brown colour, roundish, 

 and an inch and a quarter in length. 



Var, 



CARIBBEE MERLIN. 



Inhabits the Antilles, and is but very little su- 

 perior in size to a Thrush. It is rufous above^ 

 spotted with black; and beneath white, with black 

 longitudinal spots. Another variety is recorded 

 by BufFonj allied in habit to the Hobby, and 

 figured in the Planches Enluminees under the title 

 of Emerlillon. Buffon calls it Esmerillon des Fau- 

 conniers. 



