114 
NATURAL HISTORY. 
to the end of the tail. This bird was foimer' 
ly much efteemcd^ and taught by falco- 
ners to purfue cranes, wild geefe, pheafants, 
and partridges. 
rhe K I T E. 
Jl H E kite differs from all the reft of the 
fpecies, by its forked tail, How, floating moti- 
on, and being almofl continually on the wing, 
Inftead of ufing the wings when flying, it ap- 
pears to reft on the bofom of the air. Pliny 
fuppofes the invention of the rudder to be 
owing to the notice mankind have taken of 
the kite, in ufing its tail to direcSt its flight, 
Every bird of the air being capable of efcaping 
the purfiiit of the kite, it is obliged to fulv 
lift on accidental carnage, which it devours 
like a famiftied favage, without the leaft met' 
cy or moderation. 
Hunger often makes them fo defperate, as 
to attack broods of chickens, ducklings, &c. 
It ufually breeds in large forefts, or woody 
mountains. The hen lays two or three eggS) 
which, like thole of other birds of prey, are 
larger the narrow end than tliofe laid 
by the other fpecies. When this bird flits 
high, it is laid to portend fine and dry v.’tather. 
It has been^ tlio’ en'Oiicoully,rcckoned. among 
birds 
