PEREGRINE FALCON. 
173 
in the Freshwater Cliffs, and another pair occasionally 
attempting- to breed in the Culver Cliffs in the Isle of 
Wight ; and considering the ruthless persecution they 
undergo, in spite of their being protected by the bye-laws 
of the Isle of Wight County Council, it is a wonder that 
any still survive. It is very doubtful if they ever succeed 
in bringing off a brood of young. 
As an occasional visitor it occurs in every part of the 
county, usually in winter, and cannot be considered at all 
an uncommon bird. 
The Isle of Wight eyries were long ago famous for 
their breed of hawks, and in 1564 the following curious 
warrant was issued to Richard Worsley, Esq., who was 
Captain of the Island, authorising him to search for the 
persons who had stolen from their nest the young hawks, 
which were the property of Queen Elizabeth : — 
" Warrant to Richard Worsley Esq. Captain of the Isle of 
Wight, and al. to search for Queen Elizabeth's Hawks in 
the Isle ot Wight, which were stolen. Dated 6th of 
June, 1564. 
After of harty Commendacons We be enformed that certaine of 
the Queenes Ma^^- Hawks have been lately stolen in the Isle of Wight, 
from the Place where they bred upon her Ma's own Lande, and that 
hitherto the officers canot learne what hath becom of them. 
Thies be therefore to will and requyre yo" on the Queenes 
Mats behalf that upon the sight hereof ye make diligent Enquyry and 
Examynacon, both for the Hawks and for the Persons faultie of this 
Stealth and psumptious Attempt, and upon fynding of the Hawks ye 
shall cause them to be delyvered to such Office as doth now repayre 
unto you with thies o^ Lres for that purpose. And touching the 
malefactors Ye shall comyt them to Warde, signifieng yo^ whole 
Pceading & Examinacon unto us, that thereupon ye may receave 
furdre Direction as the Case shall requyre, and if it shall com to 
yr knowledge that Either the Pties in fault have conveyed themselfs or 
the Hawks out of the Compasse of yo^ Authorities, Ye shall by virtue 
hereof in that Case, addresse yo"^ Lres to some Gentlemen of Rcpu- 
