32 FALCOMD^E. 



OF the true Falcons which the British Islands produce, 

 the Gyr-Falcon may be considered one of the most typical 

 in form, as it is the largest in size. It is an inhabitant of 

 the North of Europe and North America, seldom appear- 

 ing south of the 52 of latitude, or north of 74. It is not, 

 however, very numerous anywhere ; and from its great 

 courage and strength large sums were formerly expended 

 in procuring specimens from Iceland and Norway, for va- 

 rious potentates of Europe who were then devoted to fal- 

 conry. Those specimens obtained from Iceland were called 

 exclusively Iceland Falcons ; and from peculiarities observed 

 in their disposition, as well as in their mode of flying at 

 their game, not only commanded the highest prices, but 

 they were, and are even now, considered by falconers as 

 a species distinct from the Gyr-Falcon. " They say that 

 these two Falcons differ in the comparative length of 

 their wings in reference to the tail ; the Iceland Falcon 

 is, to them, a much more valuable, as well as a much 

 more rare species ; that they require a different system of 

 training, as well as of general management. They de- 

 scribe the Iceland Falcon as a bird of higher courage than 

 the Gyr-Falcon ; of a more rapid and bolder flight ; and 

 that it can be flown successfully at larger game. Its 

 gyrations are said to be wider, its mount higher, and its 

 stoop to the quarry more impetuous, grand, and imposing." 

 Some naturalists believe that the Greenland and Iceland 

 Falcons are distinct species ;* others with M. Temminck, 

 consider these birds as local varieties only. 



The specimen from which Mr. Bewick took his repre- 

 sentation of the Gyr-Falcon is now in good condition in 

 the Museum of Natural History at Newcastle-upon-Tyne, 



* See a paper by Mr. John Hancock, Annals of Natural History, vol. ii. page 

 241. 



