Fatcons. RAPACES. FALCO. AG 
lin, as it is very often to be seen perched upon a large stone 
amid the wide wastes that it frequents during the summer 
months. As autumn approaches, the merlin descends to the 
lower grounds, or migrates to the southern parts of the king- 
dom. 
Inferior as this species is in size, it fully supports the cha- 
racter of its tribe; frequently attacking birds superior to it- 
self in magnitude and weight, and has been known to kill a 
partridge at a single blow.—Like others, before enumerated, 
it became subjected to the purposes of pastime, and was ep 
trained to pursue partridges, snipes, and woodcccks. Its 2 
flight is low and rapid, and it is generally seen skimming Flight. 
along the sides of hedges in search of its prey. In witnessing 
its attack upon a flock of small birds, I have been astonished 
at the rapidity of its evolutions, and the certainty of its aim, 
as it never failed in securing and_ bearing off its victim, even 
though chosen from the centre of the flock. 
Piate 18. represents the adult male in the natural size. General 
Bill bluish-grey, the tip black. Crown of the head, and cy 
upper parts of the body bluish, or pearl-grey; the shafts Male bird. 
of the feathers being black. Tail bluish-grey, with a 
broad black bar near the end, which is white. Chin 
white. 
Inferior parts buff-orange, with oblong, drop-shaped, 
blackish-brown spots. Under surface of the interior 
webs of the quill-feathers barred with white. Cere, legs, 
and eye-orbits yellow. Inrides generally brown. 
Priate 18*. A female bird. Natural size. 
Crown of the head dusky-brown, streaked with black. General 
Nape of the neck, and streak over the eyes white, spot- re : 
ted with brown. Back and scapulars brown, tinged F ona 
with grey ; the feathers edged, and spotted with reddish- 
brown. Quills brownish-black, spotted or barred with 
reddish-brown. Under wing-coverts brownish-orange, 
