124 
NATURAL HISTORY. 
being but little larger than the blackbird. Small as 
it is, this bird is not inferior in courage to any of the 
falcon tribe. It was formerly used for taking larks, 
partridges, and quails, which it would frequently kill 
by a single blow, striking them on the breast, head, 
or neck. 
33. Besides the kinds mentioned, there are other 
varieties of the Hawk ; the Henhawk, which commits 
great depredations in poultry yards, and the Fish- 
gawk, which preys principally upon fish. 
THE OWL. 
34. Of the Owl, there are forty or fifty different 
species, and there is a general resemblance among 
them all. The head is round, like that of a cat, 
which animal the Owl resembles in its propensity for 
destroying mice. The eyes also are so constructed 
that it can see better in the night than in the full 
glare of day. 
What is the size of the Merlin ? What was it formerly used for ? 
How many species of the Owl are there 1 In what respects have 
they a general resemblance ? 
