42 
BRITISH BIRDS 
The Merlin, though fmall, is not inferior in cou- 
rage to any of the Falcon tribe. It was ufed for 
taking Larks, Partridges, and Quails, which it 
would frequently kill by one blow, llriking them 
on the breaft, head, and neck. Buffon obferves 
that this bird differs from the Falcons, and all the 
rapacious kind, in the male and female being of the 
fame fize. The Merlin does not breed here, but 
vifits us in O&ober; it flies low, and with great ce- 
lerity and eafe ; it preys on fmall birds, and breeds 
in woods, laying five or fix eggs. 
