72 
FISH-HAWK, OR OSPREY. 
choler apparently redoubled. Fortunately for me, I struck him 
on the extreme joint of the right wing with my stick, which 
brought him to the ground. During this contest the female was 
flying round and round at a respectful distance, captain H. held 
him till I tied my handkerchief about his legs; the captain felt 
the effect of his claws. I brought away a young one to keep the 
old one in a good humour. I put them in a very large coop; the 
young one ate some fish, when broken and put into its throat; 
but the old one would not eat for two days. He continued sul- 
len and obstinate, hardly changing his position. He walks about 
now, and is approached without danger ; he takes very little no- 
tice of the young one. A Joseph Smith, working in the field 
where this nest is, had the curiosity to go up to look at the 
eggs; the bird clawed his face in a shocking manner; his eye 
had a narrow escape. I am told that it has never been considered 
dangerous to approach a Hawk’s nest. If this be so, this bird’s 
character is peculiar; his affection for his young, and his valiant 
opposition to an invasion of his nest, entitle him to conspicuous 
notice. He is the Prince of Fish-Hawks; his character and his 
portrait seem worthy of being handed to the historic muse. A 
Hawk more worthy of the honour which awaits him could not 
have been found. I hope no accident will happen to him, and 
that he may fully answer your purpose. 
“ Yours, 
“ Thomas Smith. 
<< This morning the female was flying to and fro, making a 
mournful noise.” 
The young of the Fish-Hawk are remarkable for remaining 
long in the nest before they attempt to fly. Mr. Smith’s letter 
is dated June 30th, at which time, he observes, they were as 
large as pullets, and full feathered. Seventeen days after, I my- 
self ascended to this same Hawk’s nest, where I found the two 
remaining young ones seemingly full grown. They made no 
attempts to fly, though they both placed themselves in a stern 
posture of defence, as I examined them at my leisure. The fe- 
male had procured a second helpmate; but he did not seem lo 
