PEREGRINE FALCON. 359 
low ; the toes long, and furnished with a projection callous beneath, at 
the second joint. 
*Montagu was of opinion, that many varieties of this had been described 
as distinct species, by authors, in which he has been followed by Tem- 
minck, Selby, and other naturalists, as will be seen by reference to the 
synonimes. From its nature, the Peregrine Falcon is limited to certain 
districts, choosing only the mountainous parts, where it can settle on 
the shelving rock of some stupendous cliff, and breed in security, and 
in the midst of plenty. From this circumstance, this species appears 
less plentiful with us than it really is, there not being on any part of 
our coast, from North to South, a spot where the cliffs rise to the height 
of three or four hundred feet, but they are found scattered during the 
breeding seasons, and from which they seldom retire, except for occa- 
sional migratory purposes, or when the young are driven to seek fresh 
quarters^ 
Mr. Pennant informs us that the rock of Llandedno, in Caernarvon- 
shire, was famous for producing a generous breed of this species in the 
days of falconry, and in more recent days, the stupendous rock on which 
the Castle of Dumbarton stands, has been famous for a good breed. 
When in this neighbourhood one summer, Colonel Montagu had an op- 
portunity of examining the larder of these depredators, which might 
have supplied a luxurious table, though not equal, perhaps, to that of the 
Bishop of Gevaudan, supplied from the nest of the ring-tailed eagle, as 
described by Dr. Shaw. From the front of the summit of this rock, 
the nest was visible, placed on a projecting ledge, and near the young 
were several heath poults, red grous, and other birds. 
In daring disposition this noble bird equals or surpasses most of its 
congeners, while the more ignoble birds of prey, not endowed with the 
courage necessary to attack a quarry larger than themselves, are con- 
tented with the smaller birds and animals, which they can prey upon 
at leisure, and thus indulge their unquenchable thirst of blood. Those 
of a more bold and intrepid nature, cannot risk an advantage they have 
obtained by dexterity, over an animal infinitely superior to them in 
bodily strength, and therefore we find that in these, the first object 
of attack is the vital parts, in order to secure their prey as expe- 
ditiously as possible by death, and thereby prevent the chance of 
losing it, or receiving an injury by prolonging the struggle. If the 
buzzard is presented with a bird which he dare venture to seize, he 
plucks the feathers and begins his repast indiscriminately at any part 
where he may chance to draw blood ; whereas, the intrepid Peregrine, 
knowing the extent of its power compared with its most powerful an- 
tagonist, the heron, aims at the head or upper part of the neck, as the 
