AN AUDACIOUS FALCON.
rTo THE EDITOR OF TES " SPECTATOR:1 Sia,,--As I was with my little dog ascending Froswick (a mountain in the wild country between Ambleside and Hawes Water) on July 15th, a large falcon whom I had observed hovering near actually made a pounce three times on my dog, the dog being at the time only 5 ft. from me. When the falcon was about 15 ft. or 20 ft. above our heads his heart failed him and he swerved aside. The sound produced by the pounce in the air is of a most awe-inspiring character. I can only liken it to the bursting upon you in a moment of a large pedal organ pipe; the crescendo of the sound (and such a sound) in a most remote solitude, so sudden, so portentous, I shall never forget; it took only about a second or two. The falcon measured, I should think, with his outspread wings, about 2ft. 6 in. or 8 ft. across. Falcons are common here in the high mountains, but such a pice of audacity in so shy a bird is certainly very remarkable. My dog is a white terrier and weighs about 20 lb.—I am, Sir, &c.,
The Hollies, Ambleside.
W. H. BanTuoLoarEw.
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