PEREGRINE FALCON. 299 



The scutella vary considerably, although less than in many 

 species. 



M. U. il. M. F. F. F. F. 



First toe 66676767 



Second toe 9 9 9 10 9 11 12 9 



Third toe 18 17 17 16 18 17 18 18 



Fourth toe 10 10 10 11 10 12 10 10 



Changes of Plumage. — The moult takes place early in sum- 

 mer ; but I think is not completed until November, for seve- 

 ral specimens examined in that month exhibited young feathers 

 about the head. Perhaps a renewal of parts of the plumage 

 takes place in the Falcons, as in the Eagles, at all seasons. At 

 all events, the plumage is perfect in the beginning of winter, 

 and then all the feathers on the wings and back have a slight 

 edging of paler. In summer the tints are much faded, and 

 the feathers more or less w^orn and ragged. 



Harits. — Although it seldom happens that one can have an 

 opportunity of seeing much of this beautiful Falcon, unless he 

 watch it in one of its breeding places, it is not difficult in Scot- 

 land to become in some degree acquainted with it, for even at 

 the present day, after unrelenting war has been waged against 

 the rapacious birds for many years, the Blue Hawk is not re- 

 markably scarce with us. In Edinburgh more specimens are 

 annually prepared than of any other species, excepting the 



