BIRDS OF PREY. 



the trees, and takes up its position in the 

 centre. The cooing of wood-pigeons seems 

 to excite it, and it makes a circuit, skimming 

 over the ground at the height of a few yards. 

 Then, as something in the grass attracts it, 

 it beats the air with its pointed wings, and, 

 depressing its tail, hangs as if suspended. In 

 a second it falls, just as a lark shoots from 

 a tuft to seek the shelter of a thick thorn- 

 hedge. The hawk follows, and beats the bush, 

 first on one side, then the other ; but the trem- 

 bling lark cannot be frightened out of its 

 stronghold, and the bird, finding itself baffled, 

 skims along as before. 



Bound and round the wood it flaps, now 

 sweeping low over the trees, anon hanging 

 motionless. A number of chaffinches are pick- 

 ing among the corn unconscious of the presence 

 of an enemy. Suddenly the hawk darts round 

 the corner of the wood into the midst of the 

 terrified flock, clutches one in its talons, and is 

 off straight and swift across the country, stain- 

 ing with a deeper scarlet the ruffled plumage of 

 its captive. 



Let us in imagination follow this bold spirit 

 of the air to some such plantation as it has 



