12G 
cor.vii)^:. 
clumsily endeavours to lly off, liis own haste only seeming to 
increase his emharrassment. I have often succeeded in shoot- 
ing them hy hiding among the hushes at Halligarth, or hy 
crouching in the angle of a wall which lies in their known 
track ; for they have regular hunting-grounds, which they tra- 
verse most methodically several times in the course of the day^ 
A corner formed by the junction of two walls makes an excel- 
lent hiding-place, the side which is selected depending upon 
the direction of the wind ; for Eavens, like most other birds, 
greatly prefer flying to windward. When engaged in hunting 
they scarcely ever cross a wall abruptly ; their habit is to sail 
slowly along its top, keeping exactly above it, and following 
every bend, so as to be able to inspect both sides at once. It 
is probable that in these situations they procure the field-mice 
which are sometimes found in their stomachs. Eavens seem 
to be well aware how near they may approach man with im- 
punity. A gunner is kept at the respectful distance of about 
eighty yards; field labourers are regarded with less caution; 
and an equestrian will not cause any alarm before he is within 
easy stone’s throw. 
Some years ago I accidentally discovered a very successful 
method of shooting these birds, the only objection to it being 
the expenditure of time which it occasions. I was lying upon 
the heather, keeping my gun beneath me to shelter it from a 
slight shower, when five Eavens appeared in the distance, and, 
soon catching sight of me, began hovering and croaking 
overhead. Their curiosity was evidently excited, and they 
showed every desire to cultivate a closer acquaintance ; but 
though I stirred neither hand nor foot, about half an hour 
passed without any further advance upon their part. Pre- 
sently the profound truth dawned upon me that dead animals 
never move their eyes, and accordingly, to make the resem- 
blance as complete as possible, I closed my own. Very shortly 
afterwards the birds began to wheel nearer, croaking louder 
than before, and occasionally alighting upon a distant hillock ; 
and at last, when they came within easy range, I started up 
