44 WILD LIFE IN THE TREE TOPS 



On other occasions I have seen her catch a partridge, but never did I 

 know her to kill one. 



The way in which a Merlin kills a victim is at least most humane ; for 

 she seizes it by the neck in one foot, and a foot that has a grip of steel, and at 

 once delivers the cowp de grdce by giving a few sharp bites at the extreme base 

 of the skull. It is all over in a couple of seconds. 



The Merlin is a migratory bird, and does not always do well through the 

 winter, so that in the beginning of October the Falconer will see that his Merhns 

 are in first-rate condition — will take them into open coim^try, and relieving them 

 of their jesses, will — with a pang of regret — fly them from his fist for the last 

 time. And now that they are to have their freedom once more, he can only 

 hope and pray that they may steer clear of men, guns and traps, and that 

 they may in due course rear their young in peace. 



