frequent opportunities of observing the Bastard and 

 showing it to several sympathizing lovers of birds ; this 

 bird remained in the district for a considerable time, 

 and, as I have reason to believe, England is guiltless of 

 its blood. 



I have become intimately acquainted with the Great 

 Bustard in Spain ; but as I have already set forth my 

 experiences in the ' Journal of the Northamptonshire 

 Natural History Society,' I will only say here that this 

 species is very abundant, and more or less resident, in 

 the great plains of Central and Southern Spain, where 

 it is not much esteemed as an article of food, and I 

 hope likely to hold its own for many years to come. 



No amount of legitimate and sportsmanlike pursuit 

 can materially affect the " breed " of Bustards in Spain ; 

 and, in my opinion. Bustard-driving is excellent sport, 

 and the young birds very excellent food, whilst even the 

 flesh of old males, who are of coui'se the principal 

 desiderata from the sportsman's point of view, can be 

 rendered into most palatable soup — and Spain is a 

 hungry country. 



Vast numbers of Bustards are said to exist in the 

 southern provinces of Russia in Europe, as well as in 

 Hungary and European Turkey ; in fact the bird is, or 

 has been, tolerably common in all parts of Europe that 

 are suited to its habits. 



In captivity this fine bird thrives well in favourable 

 circumstances, and becomes not only tame but aggres- 

 sive and impudent towards its human visitors, though 

 in my experience, with a few exceptions, peaceable 

 enough with other birds. 



