92 
which was termed daring; that is, when 
the hawk was cast off* the birds were so 
affrighted, that they remained as it were 
fixed to the ground, and became an easy prey 
to the fowler, by drawing a net over them. 
We have frequently witnessed the flight 
of this species in pursuit of a sky-lark, and 
been astonished to observe how dexterously 
the little bird avoids the fatal stroke, until it 
becomes fatigued. 
A Hobby, in pursuit of a lark, has been 
observed to be joined by a hen-harrier, who 
not being so rapid on wing, was usually be- 
hind, and ready to avail himself of the sud- 
den turns the unfortunate lark was com- 
pelled to make to avoid the talons of the 
Hobby; however, after numberless evolu- 
tions, the hen-harrier relinquished the pur- 
suit, and left the deadly stroke to one better 
adapted for rapid and durable flight. 
" A male Hobby perceiving a gold-finch 
in a cage within a room, the window of 
which happened to be open, dashed at the 
imprisoned bird, notwithstanding several per- 
sons were in the room ; but being alarmed 
at the natural vociferations of some youn^ 
