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Small as this species of Falcon is, yet it 
must be reckoned amongst the most spirited 
of its class, it has the same form and atti- 
tude, the same disposition and docility as the 
common Falcon, and it is not inferior in ar- 
dour and courage. It has been successfully 
flown against Larks, Quails, and even Par- 
tridges, although much heavier then itself. 
It often kills them at one blow, striking them 
on the stomach, head, or neck. 
The pursuit of a Lark by a couple of Mer- 
lins is said to be the most delightful spectacle 
which this sort of sport can afford, being 
taught to act in concert, so that while the one 
soars high in the air to strike his prey from 
above, the other may watch every motion 
from below ; and leave the poor devoted vic- 
tim no chance of escaping their united efforts. 
Montagu observes, that " there w r ould be 
no necessity of describing the bird, (Stone 
Falcon,) after what we have said of its exact 
resemblance to the Male Merlin;" but as se- 
veral varieties, or supposed varieties, of that 
bird have been described by different authors, 
me must be understood when we speak of its 
likeness generally to the Merlin, as consider- 
