BIRDS OF PREY. 13 



The "red hawk" is plucky beyond its size and 

 strength, and will pull down a partridge, as we 

 have witnessed repeatedly. The young of moor- 

 fowl, larks, pipits, and " summer snipe " con- 

 stitute its food on the fells. It lays four bright 

 red eggs in a depression among the heather, and 

 about this are strewn the remains of its prey. 

 To show to advantage this smallest of British 

 falcons ought to be seen in its haunts. It is 

 little larger than a thrush, and in the days of 

 falconry was flown by ladies at larks, pipits, 

 pigeons, and occasionally partridges. On the 

 moorlands it may be seen suddenly to shoot 

 from a stone, encircle a tract of heather, and 

 then return to its perch. A lark passes over 

 its head, and its wings are raised and its neck 

 outstretched ; but it closes them as if unwilling 

 to pursue the bird. Then it flies, skimming 

 low over the furze, and alights on a granite 

 boulder similar to the one it has just left. As 

 we approach, the male and female flap uncon- 

 cernedly off, and beneath the block are remains 

 of golden plover, ling-birds, larks, and young 

 grouse. 



It was a wise legislative proceeding that 

 granted a double protection to Owls, for of 



