FISH-HAWK, OR OSPREY. 
71 
had lately a proof of their daring spirit in this way, through 
the kindness of a friend, resident for a few weeks at Great 
Egg-harbour. I had requested of him the favour to transmit 
me, if possible, a live Fish-Hawk, for the purpose of making 
a drawing of it, which commission he very faithfully executed ; 
and I think I cannot better illustrate this part of the bird’s 
character than by quoting his letter at large. 
Beasley’s, Great Egg-Harbour, June 30^A, 1811. 
“ Sir, 
“ Mr. Beasley and I went to reconnoitre a Fish-Hawk’s 
nest on Thursday afternoon. When I was at the nest I was 
struck with so great violence, on the crown of the hat, that I 
thought a hole was made in it. I had ascended fearlessly, and 
never dreamt of being attacked. I came down quickly. There 
were in the nest three young ones about the size of pullets, 
which, though full feathered, were unable to fly. On Friday 
morning I went again to the nest to get a young one, which I 
thought I could nurse to a considerable growth, sufficient to 
‘ answer your purpose, if I should fail to procure an old one, 
which was represented to me as almost impossible, on account 
of his shyness, and the danger from his dreadful claws. On 
taking a young one I intended to lay a couple of snares in the 
nest, for which purpose I had a strong cord in my pocket. The 
old birds were on the tree when captain H. and I approached 
it. As a defence, profiting by the experience of yesterday, I 
took a walking stick with me. When I was about half up the 
tree, the bird I send you struck at me repeatedly with violence; 
he flew round in a small circle, darting at me at every circuit, 
and I striking at him. Observing that he always described 
a circle in the air, before he came at me, I kept a havjJc’s eye 
upon him, and the moment he passed me, I availed myself of 
the opportunity to ascend. When immediately under the nest, 
I hesitated at the formidable opposition I met, as his rage ap- 
peared to increase with my presumption in invading his prem- 
ises. But I mounted to the nest. At that moment he darted di- 
rectly at me with all his force, whizzing through the air; his 
