THE SAKER. 233 



The Norway Falcon. 



This is the third and least known of the three species 

 that come under the head of the ger falcon. Of the older 

 writers, Buffon appears to have been aware of its exist- 

 ence, and speaks of the Norway species as distinct both 

 from that of Iceland as also from the white or Greenland 

 birds, and as being held in highest estimation by the 

 falconers of his day, in consequence of its possessing more 

 corn-age, activity, and docility than any of the other 

 species. This bird might be procured from Norway at 

 the present time, and would most likely pay well the 

 expense of bringing it over. This hawk is usually of 

 the same size as the Grreenland and Iceland species. The 

 tarsi are partly feathered, similar to the other northern 

 falcons, and in colour also it is intermediate between 

 the adult peregrine and the darker varieties of the Ice- 

 lander. The legs and cere in the young bird are blue 

 lead colour, becoming yellow when adult. These species, 

 though possessing great power of wing, appear to be very 

 local, and we have never heard of a specimen in any 

 stage of plumage having been met with in these islands. 



The Saker — Long-Winged. 



INIonsieur Charles d'ArciLssia *says with regard to the 

 saker, " It is called sacer in Latin, from having been 

 held sacred to Jupiter, according to the ancient poets. 

 Its nature is to be cowardly, though it is a superb 

 bird ; he is obstinate, but with patience he becomes 

 tame, and so jealous of his master that he does not 

 know him if he changes his clothes. This bird will go 

 through much work. He is good for flying at part- 



TOL. II. R 



