FISH-HAWK, OR OSPREY. 
49 
wet, were found to be remarkably large, capable, when 
opened, of admitting the end of the finger, and contained 
a large quantity of white greasy matter, and some pure 
yellow oil ; the gall was in small quantity. The numerous 
convolutions and length of the intestines surprised me ; 
when carefully extended, they measured within an inch 
or two of nine feet, and were no thicker than those of 
a robin ! The crop, or craw, was middle-sized, and 
contained a nearly dissolved fish ; the stomach was a 
large oblong pouch, capable of considerable distension, 
and was also filled with half digested fish : no appearance 
of a muscular gizzard. 
By the descriptions of European naturalists, it would 
appear, that this bird, or one near akin to it, is a 
native of the eastern continent in summer, as far north 
as Siberia ; the bald buzzard of T urton almost exactly 
agreeing with the present species in size, colour, and 
manners, with the exception of its breeding or making 
its nest among the reeds, instead of on trees. Mr Bewick, 
who has figured and described the female of this bird 
under the appellation of the Osprey, says, that “ it 
builds on the ground, among reeds, and lays three or 
four eggs of an elliptical form, rather less than those of 
a hen.” This difference of habit may be owing to 
particular local circumstances, such deviations being 
usual among many of our native birds. The Italians 
are said to compare its descent upon the water to a 
piece of lead falling upon that element ; and distinguish 
it by the name of aquila piumbina, or the leaden eagle. 
In the United States it is every where denominated the 
fish-hawk, or fishing-hawk, a name truly expressive of 
its habits. 
The regular arrival of this noted bird at the vernal 
equinox, when the busy season of fishing commences, 
adds peculiar interest to its first appearance, and pro- 
cures it many a benediction from the fishermen. With 
the following lines, illustrative of these circumstances, 
I shall conclude its history : — 
VOL. I. D 
