ORNITHOLOGY. 
275 
worthy of being sent as presents to the different 
crowned heads in Europe. The persons engaged 
in the catching of the Iceland Falcons, take them 
to Bessestedr, where they are examined by the 
king’s falconer, who is sent, annually, for the 
purpose of procuring a supply of them, and brings 
with him in the vessel live cattle, to furnish them 
with fresh provisions during the passage. If the 
bird, upon inspection, proves not to be of the 
proper kind or age, it is immediately killed; but 
otherwise, there are, according to Horrebow, 
fifteen rix-dollars given for a White Falcon, and 
seven for one of the more common varieties. 
Eagles, as already observed, are abundant in Ice¬ 
land; and Ravens, the favored bird of Odin *, 
not less so; Stormy Petrels, Auks, and Puffins, 
are likewise plentiful, and the latter might often 
* The Raven holds the first rank among the land-birds 
“ in the Scandinavian Mythology. We see the use made of 
“ them by the chieftain FLoke. The bards in their songs give 
“ them the classical attribute of the power of presage. Thus, 
<e they make Thromundr and Thorbiorn, before a feudal battle, 
explain the foreboding voice of this bird, and its interest in 
“ the field of battle. 
THR. 
“ Hark ! the Raven's croak I hear, 
te Lo ! the bird of fate is near. 
In the dawn with dusky wings 
“ Hoarse the song of death she sings. 
