154 MERLIN. Clafs I!. 



ftroke on the neck. The Merlin flies low, and is 

 often feen along roads fides, skimming from one 

 fide of the hedges to the other, in fearch of prey. 



It was known to our Britifro anceftors by the name 

 of LJamyfden ; was iifed in hawking ; and its neft was 

 valued at twenty-four pence. They made ufe of four 

 other fpecies, but have left us only their names; the 

 Hehcg or Hawk^ whofe nefl was eftimated at a pound j 

 the Gwalch\ or Faukon^s at one hundred and twenty 

 pence ; the Hwyedig's or long winged^ at twenty-four 

 pence ; and a fpecies called Cammin or crooked hill, at 

 four pence. The Fenhebogyd or chief falconer , held 

 the fourth place at the court of the F/elch prince ; but: 

 notwithftanding the hofpitality of the times, this 

 ofRcer was allowed only three draughts out of his 

 horn, leaft he Ihould be fuddled and negled his 

 birds *. 



* LegeiWdUcdS, 253. 25, 



Genus 



