BIRDS. 171 
being of equal size. The back of this bird is party- 
coloured, of dark blue and brown ; the quill-feathers of 
the wings black, with rusty spots; the tail is about five 
inches long, of a dark brown or blackish colour, with 
transverse white bars : the breast is of a yellowish white, 
with streaks of rusty brown pointing downwards: the 
legs are long, slender, and yellow ; the talons black. 
The head is encircled with a row of yellowish feathers, 
not unlike a coronet. In the male the feathers on the 
rump, next the tail, are bluer ; a mark by which the 
falconers easily discern the sex of the bird. The Merlin 
does not breed here, but visits us in October ; it flies low, 
and with great celerity and ease. In the days of falconry, 
the Merlin was considered the lady's hawk. 
In ancient days in ancient days, 
When ladies took a strange delight 
In hawks and hounds and sporting ways, 
A Merlin was a pleasant sight. 
'T was gentle, when in trappings gay, 
Upon its lady's wrist it stood ; 
But its hood was raised when it saw its prey, 
And its eye betrayed the bird of blood. 
I 2 
