38 
Linnaeus), which on these occasions is sre- 
nerally upon the watch, instantly pursues, 
and if it can overtake, endeavours to soar 
above it. The Osprey, solicitous for its own 
safety, drops the fish in alarm ; the Eagle 
immediately pounces at this prey, and never 
fails to catch it before it reaches the water, 
leaving the hawk to begin his work afresh. 
Many ancient authors have described this 
bird as having one foot subpalmated, a cir- 
cumstance that has never occurred in any 
animal; each side always corresponds in 
size and shape. 
The Osprey can neither swim nor dive, 
therefore takes its prey near the surface of 
the water. 
These birds are found in Europe, Ame- 
rica, and Siberia. From accounts it appears 
to be more frequently met with in Devon- 
shire, than in any other part of England. 
Our specimen was shot at Blickling, Oc- 
tober 16th, 1815. 
