The Merlin Hawk. 



461 



and even colours throughout ; close, compact, smooth feathers, 

 with plain and distinct markings ; bold, upright carriage, and 

 a defiant mien. The bird should, however, be tame and 

 tractable with all. There must not be any broken, twisted, 

 or damaged feathers in the wings or tail. The exhibit must 

 be in good condition, and free from dirt. 



General Eemarks. — The Merlin may be easily tamed, and 

 taught to hunt small birds ; but these it invariably kills, as 

 it displays much eagerness and resolution when in pursuit of 

 its prey, pouncing upon it with considerable ferocity. When 

 once the Merlin becomes entirely domesticated it is docile, 

 amiable, and tractable, and may be freely handled by its 

 owner without incurring risk of injury. By some people the 

 Merlin is highly prized on account of its courage, skill, and 

 other qualities. 



Diseases and their Treatment. — The Merlin is an un- 

 commonly healthy and hardy bird, especially when kept in the 

 open air constantly, or allowed to live the life of a free rover. 

 It seldom suffers from any disease excepting laxness of the 

 bowels, and this is mostly produced by feeding too much 

 on liver or putrid flesh. A change of diet will speedily 

 restore it. A few small young birds or mice will be found 

 best for this purpose, and will add greatly to its enjoyment 

 and well being. 



If fed too exclusively on animal food, the blood becomes 

 too much heated, the feathers come off, and a dry scurf 

 is observable about the skin. In such a case give a supply 

 of caterpillars, ground beetles, grasshoppers, or young frogs, 

 as a change of diet, and rub the affected parts with a weak 

 solution of sugar of lead. 



