99 
stances are however recorded of their having 
bred in this country; and Mr. Latham, on the 
authority of a highly respectable observer, as- 
sures us that it breeds in Cumberland, placing 
its nest on the ground in the manner of the 
Hen Harrier. Of this two instances have 
occurred, and in each were observed four 
young birds. Montagu likewise informs us, 
that " in the midle of a high clump of heath, 
upon the moors in Northumberland, he found 
three young ones, about half grown, but no 
nest. They were well concealed, and would 
not have been discovered but by a setting- 
dog making a point at them." 
The eggs are said to be of a plain choco- 
late colour, roundish, and an inch and a quar- 
ter in length. 
This bird flies low, though with great 
celerity and ease, and may be seen skimming 
along the side of a hedge, or over the surface 
of the ground in pursuit of small birds. In 
France it is called the Sparrow Catcher. 
Pennant informs us, that it "was known to 
our British ancestors by the name of Llamys- 
den, was used in hawking, and its nest valu- 
ed at 12d. 
n 3 
