182 EXTRACTS FROM HIS WORKS [ch. vn. 
ing to rule, we should become sickly and senti¬ 
mental, fill the valleys with sighs, and groan from 
the mountain tops ; but the loud war-whoop of 
the eagle, the harsh scream of the heron, and the 
croak of the raven, are antidotes to the bewitching 
melody of the black-cap and nightingale. I have 
endeavoured to trace a repetition at regular 
intervals in the strains of the lark ; but its modula¬ 
tions seem to have no rule. In confinement this 
bird sings every whit as well as when at large ; and 
when rapidly perambulating the square bit of faded 
turf in its cage, it enacts its part with apparently as 
much delight as when mounting “ towards heaven s 
gate .”—British Birds , vol. ii., p. 170. 
15.— The Hen-Harrier. 
Having examined the form, and somewhat of 
the structure of the hen-harrier, we are prepared 
for the exhibition of its faculties. Kneel down 
here, then, among the long broom, and let us watch 
the pair that have just made their appearance on 
the shoulder of the hill. Leave these beautiful 
flowerets to the inspection of that lank-sided 
botanist, who drags himself slowly along, with a 
huge tin cannister on his back, and eyes ever bent 
on the ground. Should he wander hitherward, he 
will be delighted to cull the lovely tufts of maiden- 
pinks that surround us ; but we look heavenward, 
like the astronomers. 
