II0 FISH HAWK, OR OS PREY. 



sweeping past, at a short distance overhead, her wings making 

 a loud whizzing in the air. My worthy friend Mr Gardiner 

 informs me, that they have even been known to fix their claws 

 in a negro's head, who was attempting to climb to their nest ; 

 and I had lately a proof of their daring spirit in this way, 

 through the kindness of a friend, resident, for a few weeks, at 

 Great Egg Harbour. I had requested of him the favour to 

 transmit me, if possible, a live fish hawk, for the purpose of 

 making a drawing of it, which commission he very faithfully 

 executed ; and I think I cannot better illustrate this part of 

 the bird's character, than by quoting his letter at large : — 



" Beaslet's, Great Egg Harbour, 30th June 1811. 

 " Sir, — Mr Beasley and I went to reconnoitre a fish hawk's 

 nest on Thursday afternoon. When I was at the nest, I was 

 struck with so great violence on the crown of the hat, that I 

 thought a hole was made in it. I had ascended fearlessly, 

 and never dreamt of being attacked. I came down quickly. 

 There were in the nest three young ones, about the size of 

 pullets, which, though full feathered, were unable to fly. On 

 Friday morning, I went again to the nest to get a young one, 

 which I thought I could nurse to a considerable growth, suf- 

 ficient to answer your purpose, if I should fail to procure an 

 old one, which was represented to me as almost impossible, 

 on account of his shyness, and the danger from his dreadful 

 claws. On taking a young one, I intended to lay a couple of 

 snares in the nest, for which purpose I had a strong cord in 

 my pocket. The old birds were on the tree when Captain 

 H. and I approached it. As a defence, profiting by the expe- 

 rience of yesterday, I took a walking stick with me. When 

 I was about half up the tree, the bird I send you struck at 

 me repeatedly with violence ; he flew round, in a small circle, 

 darting at me at every circuit, and I striking at him. Ob- 

 serving that he always described a circle in the air, before he 

 came at me, I kept a hawk's eye upon him, and the moment 

 he passed me, I availed myself of the opportunity to ascend. 



