] 6 FALCONIDJE. 



not considered, in England, at least, the special bird of 

 falconry. In France it appears to have been used almost 

 exclusively as the Falcon of the country ; and as the 

 number of Gyr Falcons imported to England must have 

 fallen far short of the demand when the gentle science 

 was in full vogue, here also the Peregrine must be con- 

 sidered the bird of falconry. The "noble" Falcons were 

 those which flew fearlessly on any birds, no matter how 

 much larger they were than themselves, and at once 

 deprived their prey of life by pouncing on a vital part, 

 devouring the head before they lacerated the carcase. 

 The name Peregrine (foreigner) was given to this bird oil 

 account of its wide dispersion through most regions of the 

 globe, and for the same reason it has long borne in France 

 the name of Pelerin (pilgrim). It is a bird of haughty 

 aspect and rich colouring, sagacious, powerful, and daring ; 

 a type of the chivalry of the middle ages, a veritable 

 knight-errant, always armed, and ready to do battle in any 

 cause against all comers. 



In France the Peregrine Falcon is most abundant in 

 the marshy districts of the north, which are much 

 frequented by Snipes and Wild Duck ; with us it is most 

 commonly seen in those parts of the sea-coast Avhere 

 sea-fowl abound. The high cliffs of the Isle of Wight, 

 Beachy Head, JSTorth Wales, and the Scottish coast are its 

 favourite liaunts, and there it reigns supreme among the 

 feathered tribe. It makes its eyrie in the most inaccessible 

 ]jart of the cliff, constructing no nest, but laying four or 

 live eggs in a cavity of a rock where a little loose earth 

 has been deposited : sometimes in the deserted nest of the 

 Paven qi' Carrion Crow. If either of the old birds happens 

 to be shot during the period of breeding, it is incredible in 

 how short a space of time the survivor finds a new mate. 

 Within a short distance from their nest they establish a 

 larder well supplied with Puffins, Jackdaws, and above all, 

 Kestrils ; while the immediate neighbourhood is strewed 



