spirals, holding its broad wings almost horizontally, and spread 
so that the primaries stand widely apart for half their length, 
and in this joyous movement they will remain aloft for hours 
on end. 
But for the untiring efforts of the Royal Society for the 
Protection of Birds, none of our larger birds of prey—save, 
perhaps, the golden eagle, which is carefully cherished in 
the deer forests—would now be left to us. The case of our 
harriers seemed hopeless. But, thanks to a zealous protec- 
tion, a remnant remains. 
The harriers are in many ways extremely interesting 
birds. In appearance, when closely examined, they present 
one remarkable feature. And this is found in the curious 
arrangement of the feathers of the face which radiate from 
the eye as a centre, as in the owls, to form a “ facial disc.” 
They are all large birds, of slender build, and have a habit 
of flying close to the ground with their long, slender legs 
dangling, crossing and recrossing the same area till they are 
sure they have examined it thoroughly. Frogs, eggs, small 
birds, and voles form their principal food. Every now and 
again they will rise and circle round at a considerable height, 
seeking a new feeding-ground. 
The marsh-harrier is our largest harrier, and has rounded 
wings and slower wing-beats than the others, from which it 
is further readily distinguished by its chocolate-brown colora- 
236 
