OLAFSEN AND POVELSEN ? S 



tage, since they have neither fowls, ducks, nor other poultry ; 

 we, however, rprd in several of their historians, who are worthy 

 of credit, that they formerly existed in the country, even at the 

 time when ifoegan to be inhabited. The eagle ( Falco Chrysetus ) 

 is very well known here, and may be met with throughout Ice- 

 land : it makes great ravages amongst the flocks, by seizing upon 

 all the lambs it can come near : the females of this bird may 

 often be seen carrying ofT young sea-dogs, to feed their brood ; 

 for which purpose they avail themselves of the time when they 

 are sleeping about the rocks that hang over the sea. There 

 is only one species of eagle here ; but the variety of colours 

 which prevail in this bird, according to its age, has led many 

 travellers into the error, that there are different species. This 

 eagle sometimes remains in the interior of the country, where it 

 feeds upon salmon and other fish, as well as upon wild ducks 

 and small birds : at other times it may be seen on the rocks, 

 devouring dead fish, or other carrion, that may be thrown ashore 

 by the tide. 



the Iceland falcon ( Falco Islandicus). 

 There is also but one species of falcon known in Iceland, 

 which differs only in its size and colour ; this difference is in the 

 female, being much longer than the male, while the grey, white, 

 and corbeau-eoloiired birds are all of the same species. The 

 hunting of the falcon is one of the most interesting sports of 

 Iceland ; particularly as it brings to the country every year from 

 2000 to 3000 rix-dollars. In the districts of Kiosar and Gold- 

 bringue, this bird lays but seldom, which may be attributed to 

 the falconers of the King of Denmark destroying such as are 

 brought to them, when they find them too old or unfit for the 

 chace ; or even when the plumage has not appeared to them suf- 

 ficiently handsome, so that for several years together the people 

 have not been able to supply them with birds, 



THE RAVEN, (CoVVUS Corax). 



The raven abounds throughout Iceland, and indeed is the most 

 common bird there, being so tame, that it comes in winter close 

 to the houses, in search of food. It only differs from the com- 

 mon raven of Europe in being stronger, bolder, and more sub- 

 tile, as it mixes amongst the domestic cats and dogs. This bird 

 is, however, a great destroyer ; it falls upon fish, animals, and 

 every thing it meets with, particularly in spring. At that season 

 they may be seen watching the sheep that are about to cast their 

 lambs ; and no sooner does the young one appear, than the ra- 

 vens peck out its eyes ; and they will even attack the dams, un- 

 less the latter are strong enough to oppose them. They also 



