(SOUTHERN SPAIN.)
The following remarks relate to certain species which have come under
our observation in Spain, but which have not been included in the
text:--
Black-winged Kite (_Elanus cæruleus_, Desfont).--Rare: a pair observed
near San Lucar in April. The male fell to a long shot, but rose again
and escaped.
Sparrow-hawk (_Gavilan_).--Most numerous in winter, but some remain to
breed.
Merlin (_Esmerejon_).--In winter only.
Lesser Kestrel (_Primilla_).--One of the commonest birds in spring and
summer, nesting in swarms in the towns, on churches, &c., and on the
ruined Moorish watch-towers.
Osprey (_Aguila pescadora_).--Frequently observed on Guadalquivir and
other large rivers: breeds.
White Owl (_Lechuza_).--Abundant and resident.
Brown Owl.--Scarce in south: one shot in December.
Long-eared Owl (_Bujo_).--Rare in Andalucia: the young have been
obtained near Granada. More plentiful in Castile and Biscay.
Short-eared Owl (_Carabo_).--In winter: often very numerous. While
partridge-shooting on the plains, we have noticed five or six on wing at
once. _Asio capensis_ we have not met with.
Kingfisher (_Martin pescador_).--Most numerous in winter: especially so
in Portugal.
Wryneck (_Torce-cuello_).--In wooded sierras--March.
Mistle-Thrush (_Charla_).--Chiefly in winter, but breeds in higher
sierras; have seen eggs taken near Tangier.
Dipper (_Pechi-blanco_, _Tordo de agua_).--Resident on mountain-streams,
but relatively scarce in the south.
Hedge-Sparrow.--In garden at Jerez in January.
Wren (_Ratilla_).--Common and resident; nests in sierras in March.
Fire-crest.--In pine-woods; resident.
Tree-Creeper (_Trepaironcos_).--Resident; nests in the wooded sierras in
April. It is also known as _Arañero_, _i.e._, "spider-catcher," a name
it shares with the Wall-Creeper, which species we have not observed.
Nuthatch.--Common in Castile and the north, but not observed in
Andalucia except in Sierra Nevada. This species is also known as
_trepaironcos_.
Crested Tit (_Capuchino_).--Observed in the mountain forests of Castile.
Resident and common near Gibraltar.
Sand-Martin.--Breeds on Guadalquivir--April.
Woodlark.--In winter only; leaves in April. Not common. Our familiar
Skylarks and Titlarks swarm in winter in Spain, but leave the south in
March. The Calandra, Crested, and Short-toed Larks, with the
Corn-Bunting, are among the most abundant of Spanish birds at all
seasons.
Rock-Bunting (_Emberiza cia_, Linn.).--Common in sierras, where it nests
in April near clearings and cultivated patches.
White Wagtail.--Arrives in swarms in September, remaining till March.
The pied wagtail we have not identified.
Grey Wagtail.--Common in winter, and some nest on the mountain streams,
even in Andalucia.
Serin.--This, with the goldfinch and three following species, the
stonechats, bee-eaters, rufous, and black-headed warblers and
nightingales, is among the commonest and most characteristic birds of
Southern Spain.
Linnet (_Camacho_).
Greenfinch (_Verdon_).
Chaffinch (_Pinzon_).--All common; most so in winter.
Rock-Sparrow (_Gorrion montés_).--Common in the sierras, where it breeds
in holes in May.
Lesser Redpole.--Rare and irregular; in severe winters only. Many in
garden at Jerez in January, 1888.
Siskin (_Lugano_).--Irregular; in winter only. Several obtained in
garden, March 15, 1891.
Rook.--Occasional flocks in winter.
Carrion Crow.--Rare; found a nest with five eggs, Sierra de las Cabras,
March 23rd. B. is sure he has seen _C. corniz_ when shooting in
winter.[80]
Sandwich Tern.--Obtained on Guadalete in March and April on passage.
Gannets and Skuas.--Observed in Straits and Bay of Trafalgar in winter
and early spring.
Red-throated Diver.--Several shot in winter.
Shearwaters.--In Straits: observed in hundreds off Málaga in March.
Stormy Petrels.--Common on the coast, and probably breeds on some of the
rocky islands.
[Illustration: STORK'S NEST ON STRAW-STACK.]
GLOSSARY.
_Á boca de jarro_--At short range.
_Abolága_--Spanish gorse.
_Aficionado_--An amateur, enthusiast.
_Alcornoque_--Cork-oak.
_Alforjas_--Holsters, saddle-bags.
_Almuerzo_--Breakfast, tiffin.
_Alparagatas_--Hempen-soled sandals.
_Anafe_--A charcoal cooking-stove.
_Arenál_--Sand-waste, desert.
_Armajo_--Samphire.
_Arramago_--Charlock.
_Arroyo_--Stream, watercourse.
_Bandada_--A flock, or pack.
_Bandolerismo_--Brigandage.
_Barbon_, _barbudo_--Bearded.
_Barranco_--A low cliff.
_Barrio_--Quarter of a town, suburb.
_Batida_--A beat, or drive for game.
_Bebidero_--A drinking-place.
_Boracha_--A wine-skin.
_Borrico_--A donkey.
_Busné_--A gentile--_i.e._, not a gypsy.
_Cabestro_, or _cabreste_--Decoy, stalking horse.
_Cama_--Bed, lair of wild beast.
_Camino_--Road.
_Campo_, _campiña_--Country, cultivated land.
_Cancho_--Crag, precipice.
_Cántaro_--Water-jar.
_Carabinero_--Carbineer, exciseman.
_Carbonero_--Charcoal-burner.
_Casuela_--Stewing-pan, also the stew.
_Catre_--Tressle-bed, camp-bed.
_Cazador_--Shooter, sportsman.
_Caza mayor_--_menor_--Large, and small game.
_Cédula de vecindad_--Certificate of identity.
_Cencerro_--Cattle-bell.
_Cerrones_--Panniers, mule-packs.
_Chambonada_--Bungle.
_Chapárro_--An evergreen oak.
_Choza_--Peasant's cot or hut.
_Cicada_--Cricket.
_Cochino_--Pig.
_Contrabandista_--Smuggler.
_Corral_--enclosure; belt of forest or jungle.
_Coto_--Game-preserve.
_Cuadrilla_--Troop, gang.
_Dehesa_--Grazing ground, sheep-walk.
_Despoblado_--Desert, waste.
_Dicho_--Declaration, troth.
_Dormidero_--Sleeping-place.
_Echando la rueda_--"Making a wheel"--_i.e._, describing a circle.
_Encierro_--Driving in bulls to the ring.
_Entrada_--Entry, immigration.
_Era_--Threshing-ground.
_Errate_--"Black blood" (gypsy).
_Escopeta_--Musket, gun.
_Espada_--Sword; a matador.
_Falucha_--Felucca-rigged boat.
_Faja_--Waistband.
_Fango_--Mud.
_Funda_--Saddle-sling for gun.
_Garganta_--Mountain-gully.
_Garrocha_--Long wooden lance.
_Gazpacho_--A dish of bread, vegetables, oil, vinegar, &c., a
salad.
_Guiso_--Stew.
_Huerta_--Orchard, garden.
_Jaca_--Riding horse, pony.
_Junco_, _juncale_--Reed, reed-bed.
_Ladron en grande_--Robber on a large scale.
_Lancha_--Small boat, punt.
_Lidia_, _lidiador_--Fight, fighter (of bulls).
_Macho_--Male.
_Majo_--Dandy, gallant.
_Malagueña_--Couplet, topical song.
_Mancha_--Thicket, jungle.
_Manchon_--Fallow.
_Mano negra_--"Black Hand," a secret society.
_Manta_--Cloak, saddle-rug.
_Marisma_--Marsh land.
_Monteria_--Mountain-shooting campaign.
_Mosca_--Fly.
_Nata_--Cream.
_Navaja_--Clasp-knife.
_Novio_-_a_--Sweetheart.
_Ojéo_--Drive (for game).
_Olivár_--Olive-grove.
_Olla_--Earthen cooking-pot, stew.
_Pajaráco_--Large bird, vulture.
_Pajaréra_--Breeding-place of birds.
_Parador_--Inn, resting-place.
_Patero_--Duck-shooter.
_Patio_--Courtyard of house.
_Pinal_--Pine forest.
_Piorno_--A species of broom.
_Podenco_--Hunting-dog (of lurcher type).
_Poniente_--West wind.
_Posada_--Village inn, lodging-house.
_Puchero_--Earthen pan for cooking.
_Pueblo_--_cito_--Village, hamlet.
_Puesto_--Post, ambush.
_Querencia_--Haunt.
_Rastro_--Trail, spoor.
_Reclamo_--Decoy, call-bird.
_Retamo_--A species of broom.
_Rincon_--Corner.
_Rodéo_--"Rounding-up" of cattle.
_Sartén_--Frying-pan.
_Sequestrador_--Bandit who holds to ransom.
_Serrano_--Mountaineer.
_Suerté_--(1) Luck; (2) the modes of attack or "passes" in the
bull-fight.
_Tentadero_--Trial (of young bulls).
_Tirador_--Gunner.
_Toréo_--Art of bull-fighting.
_Toril_--Lair of bull, adjoining bull-ring.
_Toro bravo_--Fighting bull.
_Tunante_--Cunning rogue.
_Vega_--Open plain.
_Venta_--Wine-shop.
_Vereda_--Bridle-path.
_Zincali_--Gypsy.
[Illustration: SPANISH SPADES.]
INDEX.
Absence of twilight, 403, 409
Adventure with a bull, 10
---- Lynx, 355-6, 447
Æsthetic tastes in birds (?), 112 _et seq._
Agriculture, Chap. xviii., p. 220, xix., p. 231, 294-5-6
Ague, 108
Alpine Accentor, 147
---- Chough, 147, 154 (footnote)
---- Pipit, 147, 155
---- Swift, 154, 216, 247, 254, 451
Altitudes of mountains, 26, 143, 153 (footnote), 159, 168, 179
Alto Douro, 329 _et seq._
Andalucian Quail, 353, 420
Anomalies, Spanish, 151
Ants, 244, 245
Arctic weather in Spain, 392 _et seq._
Asturias, The, 3, 183, 184 _et seq._, 307, 442
Atmospheric effects, 89
Avocet, 75, 77, 84, 86 (breeding), 381, 399
Azure-winged Magpie, 80, 252, 256-7-8
Badger, 108, 250, 364, 449
Balance of Life, 259 _et seq._, 264-5
Basques, The, 5, 176
Bear, 3, 179, 185, 442-3
Bee-eater, 252, 254, 256, 261, 325, 451
Bird-life in Gredos, 147, 154
---- Bermeja, 160
Bird-life in Navarre, 454 _et seq._
Bittern, 80, 254, 272-3, 364, 423-4
---- Little, 255, 271, 273, 427, 453
Blackbird, 147, 249, 304
Blackcap, 247, 349
Black Chat, 147, 216, 299
Black Kite, 82, 242-5, 265, 275, 451
Black Vulture, 146 (breeding), 200 _et seq._
Bleeding, Universal remedy, 305-6, 447
Blue Rock-Thrush, 29, 147, 160, 210 (footnote), 216, 299
Bluethroat, 147, 454
Boar, Wild, Chap. ii., p. 23, Appendix, 443-4
---- 84, 185, 270, 355, 368-9
---- Obstinate nature of, 29, 369
Bohemian Gypsies, 291-2
Bonelli's Eagle, 160, 204, 217-18-19, 255, 454
Booted Eagle, 81, 84, 160, 199, 204, 254, 265, 451
Breeding-season (of birds) prolonged, 255
Brigandage in Spain, Chap. x., pp. 116-127, 163
Bull-fighting, Chap. v., p. 54
---- Attempts to suppress, 58, 59
---- Breeds of bulls, 60, 341
---- _Encierro_, The, 65
---- Life of a fighting-bull, 60-1
---- Mediæval bull-fights, 57-8
---- Modern epoch, the, 59
---- Origin of, 55-6
Bull-fighting, _Tentaderos_, The, 61-4
Bungles, magnificent, 362, 409
Bunting, Cirl-, 147, 254, 452
---- Corn-, 88, 147
---- Ortolan, 88, 147, 254, 452, 454
---- Reed-, 88
---- Rock-, 458
Burning the bamboo-brakes, 361 _et seq._
Bustard, The Great, Chaps. iii., 33, iv., 40, xxx., 338, 254, 294
---- -driving, 38, 46 _et seq._
---- -shooting, at wells, 35
---- ---- with lantern, 36
---- ---- from cart, 37
---- ---- single-handed, 42
---- The Little, 255, 266, 294, 306, 343 _et seq._
Butterflies, 148 (footnote), 212 (do.), 332, 352
Buzzard, Common, 148, 181, 242, 262, 364, 409, 410, 454
---- Honey, 254, 451
Camels, Wild, Chap. viii., p. 94
---- Repugnance towards horses, 99, 101
Capercaillie, 3, 187
Capileira, 168
_Cazador_, The Spanish, 137, 177, 350
Centipedes, 161, 332
Civil Guards, The, 14, 152-3
Chaffinch, 304, 454, 458
Chamæleon, 352 (footnote)
Chamois, 3, 179, 185, 441-2
Character, Iberian, 4, 6, 301, _etc._
Charcoal-burners, 14, 124, 126
Chicorro and the Black Bull, 289, 290
Chiffchaff, 247, 452
Chough, 147, 154, 171, 210, 301
Climate, 24, 352, 371, 384, 392
_Consumos_ (Octroi), 219, 228
Coot, 77, 364, 424, 427
Cork-oak, 16
Cormorant, 74, 427
Cost of a bull-fight, 67
Coto Doñana, 240, 348 _et seq._
Country-life, hatred of, 1, 221, 224-5, 227
Crag-Martin, 147, 155, 160, 210, 452
Crake, Corn-, 253, 419, 424, 452
---- Baillon's, 273, 424
---- Little, 273, 424
---- Spotted, 273, 364, 419, 424
Crane, Common, 253, 266-7, 294, 306, 420-1, 427, 453
---- Demoiselle, 254, 422, 453
Crossbill, 246, 407
Crow, Carrion-, 455, 458
---- Grey-backed, 458
Cuckoo, Common, 254, 257, 451
---- Great Spotted, 80, 246, 253, 256-7, 451
Curlew, 380, 388
---- -Sandpiper, 76, 89
---- Slender-billed, 453
Cushat, 160, 253, 301, 419
Dabchick, 270, 424, 427
Dancing, 20-1, 313, 356-7
Dartford Warbler, 147, 304
Deer, Red, 249, 350 _et seq._ 437-8
---- Fallow, 438-9
---- Roe-, 28, 161, 216, 303, 439-40
---- -shooting, 355, 359 _et seq._ 367, 405 _et seq._, 438 _et
seq._
Difficulties of travel, 9, 72, 161
Dipper, 174, 455, 457
Discontent, Agrarian, 12, 212, 227, 327
Disease and epidemic, 313
Doñana, Coto de, 240, 348 _et seq._
Dormouse, 147, 449
Drunkenness, Rarity of, 313
Ducks, _see also_ under Pochard Teal, Wigeon, &c.
---- Gadwall, 267-8, 376, 392, 402, 425
---- Garganey, 73, 77, 253, 268, 376, 392, 402, 425, 453
---- Mallard, 73, 77, 267-8, 375, 402, 425-6
Ducks, Marbled, 77, 84, 254, 269, 376, 392, 425, 426, 453
---- Pintail, 73, 269, 373, 375-6, 402, 425
---- Red-crested, 267, 376
---- Scoter, 74, 425
---- Sheld-, 376, 392, 425-6
---- Shoveller, 73, 269, 374-5, 402, 425
---- Teal, 73, 264, 268, 375, 401, 425
---- Tufted, 74, 375, 425
---- White-eyed, 73, 254, 268, 375, 392, 425, 453
---- White-faced, 77, 254, 269-70, 376, 402, 425, 453
---- Wigeon, 73, 253, 373, 375, 402, 425
Dunlin, 73 (breeding), 75, 88, 381
Eagle, Bonelli's, 160, 204, 217-19, 255, 454
---- Booted, 81, 84, 160, 199, 204, 254, 265, 451
---- Golden, 154, 160, 204, 212, 215, 218-19, 306, 309
---- Imperial, 188 _et seq._, 204, 262-3, 275
---- Sea-, _or_ White-tailed, 199
---- Serpent-, 199, 204, 215, 241-2, 253, 262, 265, 451
---- Tawny, 194 _et seq._, 410
---- -shooting, 192, 239
Eagles in confinement, 203
---- Prey of, 264-5
Eagle-Owl, 24, 210, 255, 301
Eggs, small numbers laid, 249
Egret, 76, 254, 271, 273, 392, 427, 453
Egyptian Vulture, 147, 203, 211-12, 253, 333, 451
_Encierro_, 65
Escape, Narrow, 439
Estremadura, 132, 240, 301, 443, 444
Fairs in Spain, 151
Falcon, Eleanora, 265
Falcon, Peregrine, 154, 160, 265, 353 (Southern)
Fallows and flowers, 225
Fantail Warbler, 246, 268-9
Fire-Crest, 407, 455, 458
Fire-flies and Glow-worms, 332
Fishermen, Spanish, 177
_Flamenco_-ism, 67 (footnote), 288-9
Flamingoes, Among the, Chap. ix., p. 102
---- 74, 109 (breeding), 112 (young), 255, 381
---- -shooting, 105
Flight-shooting, 356, 358, 375, 386 _et seq._, 421 (Crane)
Flycatcher, Pied, 247, 452, 455
---- Spotted, 249, 255, 452, 455
Food of raptores, 264-5
Fox, 29, 100, 108, 332, 369, 445
Frogs, 251, 276
---- Tree-, 332
_Fueros_, of Basques, 5
Gadwall, 267-8, 376, 392, 425, 453
Galicians, The, 4, 329, 330
Gannet, 459
Garganey, 73, 77, 253, 268, 376, 392, 399, 425, 453
Gecko, 352 (footnote)
Geese, Wild, 73, 376 _et seq._, 379, 388 _et seq._, 425, 427
---- Bean, 379, 425
---- Grey Lag, 377, 379, 425, 427
---- Lesser White-fronted, 379
Genet, 108, 250, 364, 407, 448
Glossy Ibis, 76, 254, 269, 271, 427, 453
Godwit, Bar-tailed, 75, 427, 453
---- Black-tailed, 75, 254, 453
Golden Eagle, 154, 160, 204, 212, 215, 218-19, 306, 309
---- Oriole, 80, 247-8, 252, 254, 452, 455
---- Plover, 253, 266, 381
Goldfinch, 84, 205, 249, 294, 454
Goose--_see_ Geese
Goshawk, 160, 253
Granada, 166, 173
Grapes, Abundance of, 331, 336
Great Bustard--_see_ Bustard
---- Spotted Cuckoo, 80, 246, 253, 256-7
---- Spotted Woodpecker, 160, 253
---- Tit, 160, 249, 454
Green Sandpiper, 76, 275, 381, 399
Greenshank, 76, 85, 381, 453
Green Woodpecker, 247-8, 253, 256, 262-3, 455
Grebe, Eared, 77, 398, 424, 427
---- Great Crested, 270, 424, 427
---- Little, 270, 424, 427
Grey Lag, 377, 379, 425, 427
---- Phalarope, 76, 89
---- Plover, 76, 89, 452
Griffon Vulture, 29, 160, 205 _et seq._, 215-16, 294-96, 302, 454
Gull, Black-headed, 90, 91
---- Brown-headed, 78, 254
---- Great Black-backed, 78
---- Herring, 78
---- Kittiwake, 78
---- Lesser Black-backed, 78
---- Little, 78, 398, 427
---- Skua, 459
---- Slender-billed, 90, 91
Gypsies, Chaps, xxiii., p. 277; xxiv., p. 287
Hare, Spanish, 353, 449
Harrier, Hen-, 80, 254, 294, 381
---- Marsh-, 77, 85, 92, 262, 264, 268-9, 275, 364, 381, 401-2
---- Montagu's, 89, 92, 254, 262, 264, 275, 451
Harvest, 225
Hawfinch, 160, 246, 407, 409
Hay, 226
Hazel-Grouse, 3, 187
Hen-Harrier--_see_ Harrier
Herdsmen of Sierra, 16, 25, 295, 301, 317 (note), 320 _et seq._
Herons, 76, 81, 84, 271 _et seq._, 381, 427
---- Buff-backed, 76, 81, 254, 271-3, 453
Herons, Night-, 76, 81, 254, 271-3, 427, 453
---- Purple, 76, 78, 82, 253, 399, 453
---- Squacco, 76, 81, 255, 271, 273, 453
Hobby, 254, 451
Honey Buzzard, 254, 451
Hoopoe, 80, 246, 249, 253, 451, 454
Horse-breeding, 233-4
Ibex, Spanish, Chap, xi., p. 128; Appendix, 440-1
---- Distribution, 131-2
---- Scenting powers, 146 (note), 316
---- Specific distinction, 128-9
Ibex-shooting, Sierra de Gredos, 140 _et seq._
---- Nevada and Alpujarras, 166
---- Riscos de Valderejo, 150
---- Sierra Bermeja, 157
Ibex-stalking, 148, 165, 316 _et seq._
Ibis, Glossy, 76, 254, 269, 271, 427, 453
Ichneumon, Spanish, 28, 108, 250, 299, 449
Imperial Eagle, 188 _et seq._, 204, 262-3, 275
Industry of peasantry, 169, 311
Insect-life, 148 (note), 161, 212 (note), 259, 332, 352
Jackdaw, 253
Janda, Lagunas de, 266, 299, 421
Jay, 160, 258, 301, 456
Justice, Judicial, 11 (footnote), 125, 370
---- Summary, 247-8, 370-1
Kentish Plover, 75, 88, 253, 381, 452
Kestrel, 205, 265, 294
---- Lesser, 253, 265, 451, 457
Kingfisher, 457
Kite, Black, 82, 242-3, 244-5, 265, 275, 451
---- Black-winged, 457
Kite, Red, 242-5, 252, 262, 264-5, 275, 366, 409, 454
Knot, 76, 85, 453
Lammergeyer, 160, 255, 293 _et seq._, 307 _et seq._
Landrail, 253, 419, 424, 452
Lanjaron, 167
Lark, Calandra, 88, 454, 458
---- Crested, 88, 458
---- Short-toed, 88, 253, 452, 458
---- Sky-, 147, 174, 254, 458
---- Wood-, 458
Leeches, 80, 81, 82, 367
Leon, 5, 151, 183
Lesser Kestrel, 253, 265, 451, 457
Lesser Ring-Plover, 75, 88, 452
Linnet, Grey, and Green, 249, 304
Little Bustard, 255, 266, 294, 306, 343 _et seq._
Lizards, 260, 261, 352
Logroño, Sack of, 283
Lunatic, Sad episode of a, 27
Lynx, Spanish, 106, 250, 355, 359, 436, 446-7
---- ferocity of, 355-6, 446-7
Magpie, Common, 253, 256-8, 456
---- Azure-winged, 80, 252, 256-8
Mallard, 73, 77, 267-8, 375, 425, 426
Marbled Duck, 77, 84, 254, 269, 376, 392, 425, 453
Marismas, The, Chaps, vi., vii., pp. 70-93, 94 _et seq._, 103 _et seq._
Markets, fruit, &c., 235
Marriage-customs, 320 _et seq._
Marsh-Harrier, 77, 85, 92 (breeding), 262, 264, 268-9, 275, 364, 381,
401-2
Marten, 185, 448
Martin, Crag, 147, 155, 160, 210, 452
---- House, 452, 454
---- Sand, 452, 458
Measurements of horns (deer), 361, 437-8 (ibex), 130, 147, 156, 319
Mediterranean Black-headed Gull, 90, 91
Merganser, 425
Merlin, 457
Migration, 72 and 89 (vernal), 253 _et seq._, 274, 384, 393-4
Mills, Table of, 237
Mirage, 78, 90
Mole-cricket, 249, 270, 276, 332
Mongoose, 28, 108, 250, 299, 363, 449
Montagu's Harrier, 89, 92 (breeding), 254, 262, 264, 275, 451
Moufflon, 442
Mouse, 342, 363, 449; Dormouse, 147, 449
Navarre, Bird-life in, 454 _et seq._
Nightingale, 84, 205, 211, 249, 254, 451
Nightjar, Common, 264
---- Red-necked, 247, 254, 276, 451
Nutcracker, 455
Nuthatch, 147, 454, 458
Olive, Culture of, 231
Orange harvest, 305
Origin of Spanish people, 4
Oriole, Golden, 80, 84, 247-8, 252, 254, 452, 455
Ortolan, 88, 147, 254, 452, 454
Osprey, 457
Otter, 364, 449
Owl, Eagle-, 24, 210, 255, 301
---- Brown, 454, 457
---- Little, 247-8, 253, 264, 276
---- Long-eared, 457
---- Scop's, 253, 276, 451
---- Short-eared, 457
---- White, 251, 457
Oyster-catcher, 392
Paradox gun, 361, 415 (footnote)
Partridge, Grey, 187, 454
---- Red-leg, 29, 252, 304, 331
---- -shooting (Portugal), 332
---- ---- (Spain), 304, 351 _et seq._
Peewit, 76, 88, 294, 304, 380
Peregrine, 154, 160, 265, 353 (Southern)
Petrel, Stormy, 459
Phalarope, Grey, 76, 89
Pintail, 73, 269, 373, 375, 376, 425, 426
Pintailed Sand-Grouse, 85, 89, 381, 432
Pipit, Meadow, 147, 254, 458
---- Tawny, 452
---- Tree-, 452, 454-5
Ploughing, 225
Plover, Golden, 253, 266, 381
---- Grey, 76, 89, 453
---- Kentish, 75, 88, 253, 381, 452
---- Lesser Ring-, 75, 88, 253, 452
---- Ring-, 89
---- Stone-, 262, 351, 452
Poacher caught, 369-70
Pochard, common, 73-4, 375, 392, 425
---- Red-crested, 267, 376
---- White-eyed, 73, 254, 268, 375, 392, 425, 453
_Podencos_ (hunting dogs), 26, 100
Polecat, 449
Portugal, Alto Douro, 329 _et seq._
---- Insect life in, 332
---- Partridge-shooting, 331-2
---- Quail, 419-20
---- Snipe-shooting, 417, 423
---- Trout-fishing, 175
---- Viticulture in, 329 _et seq._
_Posada_, 19 _et seq._, 80, 296-7, 305, 312
Pratincole, 76, 91 (breeding), 254, 276, 427, 452
Ptarmigan, 3, 147, 187
Quail, 205, 266, 341, 419, 452
---- Andalucian, 353, 420
Rail, Land-, 253, 419, 424, 452
---- Water-, 273, 419, 424, 427
Rainbow, Circular, 171
"Rare birds," 72, 238
Rats (land-, and water-), 342, 363, 449
Raven, 147, 160, 171, 181, 243-4, 409-10, 458 (footnote)
_Reclamos_ (call-birds), 304
Red-leg Partridge, 29, 252, 304, 331, 351
Redpole, 458
Redshank, 75, 88, 381, 399
Redstart, 147, 160, 247, 451, 454
---- Black, 247, 454
Redwing, 300, 304
Reptiles, 79, 259, 260 _et seq._, 352 (footnote)
Revolution, 12, 212-13, 227-8, 327
Ring-Ouzel, 147, 171, 254, 451, 454
Ring-Plover, 89
Roads in Spain, 10, 151, 294
Robin, 247, 304, 454
Rock-Thrush, 147, 254, 451
Roe-Deer, 28, 161, 216, 303, 439-40
Roller, 80, 82, 249, 252, 254, 256, 451
Rook, 458
"Rough times," 79, 103, 109, 168, 304
Ruff, 76, 254, 399, 453
Salmon, 176
Sanderling, 76, 453 (note)
Sand-Grouse, Black-bellied, 86
---- Pintailed, 85, 89, 381, 432
Sand-hills of Doñana, 245, 367
Sandpiper, Common, 76, 88, 147, 174, 181, 453, 455
---- Curlew-, 76, 89, 453
---- Green, 76, 275, 381, 399
---- Wood-, 275, 453
Santandér, 179
Scenes described, 89, 100, 159
Scorpion, 161, 332
Scoter, 74, 425
Sea-Eagle, 199
Serin-Finch, 84, 205, 249, 455, 458
Serpent-Eagle, 199, 204, 215, 241-2, 253, 262, 265, 451
Shearwater, 459
Sheep, 151, 234
---- Wild, 442
Sheld-duck, 376, 392, 394, 425
---- Ruddy, 376, 392, 426
Short-toed Lark, 88, 253, 452
Shoveller, 73, 269, 374-5, 425
Shrew, 449
---- Trumpeter, 449
Shrike, Redbacked, 80
---- Southern Grey, 80, 246, 253, 256, 294
---- Woodchat, 84, 246, 249, 254, 256, 452, 454
Siskin, 458
Skylark, 147, 174, 254, 455
Slender-billed Gull, 90-1
Smell, Sense of (ibex), 146 (note), 316 (deer), 405
Smugglers, 12, 14, 120-1, 163, 214
Snakes, 79, 260, 261-2
Snipe, 254, 380, 392, 417 _et seq._, 427
---- -shooting, 417 _et seq._
---- Great, 453
Sparrow-Hawk, 160, 456, 457
---- Hedge-, 455, 457
---- Rock-, 458
---- Spanish, 244
Spoonbill, 76, 84, 271, 399, 426, 453
Starling, 254
---- Spotless, 249, 253-4, 452
"Still-hunting," 359, 364, 428 _et seq._
Stilt, 75, 84, 86 (breeding), 88, 381, 392, 398
Stint, Little and Temminck's, 453 (note)
Stonechat, 147, 257, 454
Stone-Curlew, 262, 351, 453
Stone-Pine, 245
Stork, Black, 253, 423, 453
---- White, 84, 210, 381, 399, 423, 453
Sunstroke, 73, 306
Swallow, 247, 253, 255, 451-2
Swans, Wild, 279, 426
Swift, Alpine, 154, 216, 247, 254, 451
---- Common, 205, 254, 451
---- Pallid, 451
Teal, 73, 264, 268, 375, 401, 424
_Tentadero_, 61
Terns, 76, 276, 427, 453, 459
---- Black, 92, 255, 273, 453
---- Gull-billed, 93, 273, 453
---- Lesser, 93, 254, 273, 453
---- Whiskered, 92, 254, 273, 453
---- White-winged Black, 267
Theories, Danger of, 114
Threshing (corn), 226
Thrush, Blue, 29, 147, 160, 210 (note), 216, 299
---- Common, 147, 254, 300, 304
---- Mistle-, 457
---- Rock-, 147, 254, 451
Tit, Blue, 247, 249, 455
---- Crested, 249, 455, 458
---- Great, 160, 249, 455
---- Various, 247, 455
Titlark, 147, 254, 458
Toads, Immense, 272
Trapping birds of prey, 244, 252
Travel, Incidents of, 10-12, 167-8, &c.
Tree-Creeper, 247, 407, 458
Trout, 171, 173 _et. seq._, 183 _et seq._, 296
Tufted Duck, 74, 375, 425
Turtle-Dove, 80, 253, 254, 452, 455
Twilight, Absence of, 403, 409
Unique Shot (at Bustard), 51
Vegetation, Luxuriant, 83, 352
Vernal bird-notes, 84, 205, 454
Viticulture in Spain, 325 _et seq._, 333 _et seq._
---- ---- Portugal, 329 _et seq._
Vulture, Bearded--_see_ Lammergeyer
---- Black, 146, 200 _et seq._
---- Egyptian, 147, 206, 211-12, 268, 333, 451
---- Griffon, 29, 160, 205 _et seq._, 215-16, 294-6, 302
Wagtail, Grey, 458
---- Grey-headed, 249, 452, 455
---- White, 253, 454-5, 458
---- Yellow, 455
Wall-Creeper, 455, 458
Warbler, Blackcap, 247, 249
Warbler, Black-headed, 247, 249
---- Bonelli's, 452, 455
---- Cetti's, 247, 268
---- Dartford, 147, 304
---- Fantail, 247, 268-9
---- Garden-, 249, 254, 451
---- Great Sedge-, 247, 254, 268, 451
---- Melodious W., 84, 249, 255, 268, 452, 454
---- Orphean, 84, 247, 254, 451
---- Pallid, 255, 451
---- Reed-, 268, 452
---- Rufous, 247, 249, 254, 452
---- Savi's, 254, 452
---- Spectacled, 254, 451, 455
---- Sub-alpine, 254, 452
---- Willow-, 247, 249, 452
---- Wood-, 452
Water, a national drink, 222
Water-beetles, 427
Water-hen, 424
---- Purple, 424, 427, 452
Water-Rail, 273, 419, 424, 427
Water-Shrew, Trumpeter, 449
Weasel, 449
Wheatear, Common, 253, 451, 454
---- Eared, 147, 254, 451
---- Russet, 147, 254, 451
Whimbrel, 76, 255, 427, 453
Whinchat, 181, 451
White-eyed Duck, 73, 254, 268, 375, 392, 425, 453
White-faced Duck, 77, 254, 269-70, 376, 424, 426, 453
Whitethroat, 249, 254, 451
Wigeon, 73, 253, 373, 375, 402, 425
Wild Cat, 84, 108, 250, 362, 447-8
Wild Sheep, 442
Wildfowl, Variety of, 365, 383, 388, 398-9, 402
---- Heavy shots at, 366, 374, 382, 403, 404
Wildfowling, 356, 358, 365, 371 _et seq._, 384, 395 _et seq._
---- with _cabrestos_, 365, 372
---- ---- stanchion-gun, 395 _et seq._
Wine, 24, 245, 332, 334-7
Winter in Spain, 352, 371, 384, 392, 395, 428
Wolf, 153, 167, 313-14, 332, 444-5
Woodchat, 84, 246, 249, 254, 256, 452, 454
Woodcock, 253, 419
Woodpecker, Great Black, 187, 455
---- ---- Spotted, 160, 253, 300
---- Lesser Spotted, 80
---- Spanish Green, 247-8, 253, 256, 262-3
Wood-Pigeon, 160, 253, 301, 419
Wood-Sandpiper, 275, 453
Wren, 160, 455, 457
---- Fire-crest, 407, 455, 458
---- Willow-, 247, 249, 452
---- Wood-, 452
Wryneck, 451, 455, 457
Yellowhammer, 454-5
Zincali, 277 _et seq._, 287 _et seq._
Zurita, 211
Woodfall & Kinder, Printers, 70 to 76, Longacre, London, W.C.
_Demy 8vo, 300 pages, with 50 Illustrations by the Author, 12s. 6d._
Bird-Life of the Borders:
RECORDS OF
WILD SPORT AND NATURAL HISTORY ON MOORLAND AND SEA.
BY
ABEL CHAPMAN.
"At last we have a book on birds in their haunts by a writer who is
thoroughly master of his subject--one who has plenty to say, and who
also knows how to place his experiences vividly before the reader. The
portions devoted to the Cheviots and the moorlands recall the scent of
the heather, while the narrative of adventures by day and by night in a
gunning punt along the 'slakes' off Holy Island is pervaded by the keen
salt breezes from the North Sea. In addition to his powers of
description, Mr. Chapman is possessed of considerable abilities as a
draughtsman, and although, through modesty, the fact is not mentioned on
the title-page, this work contains numerous illustrations from his own
pen-and-ink sketches, some of them being really admirable for breadth
and boldness of execution.... As regards the second part, which treats
of wild-fowling with the stancheon-gun, we can only say that nothing
like it has appeared since the publication of Colonel Hawker's classic
work. The haunts and habits of wild-fowl by day and night have never
before been so clearly pointed out in any work with which we are
acquainted."--_Athenæum._
"One of the pleasantest books conceivable ..., it illustrates the
valuable results of many years' observation, sometimes in the way of
jottings from note-books, sometimes in descriptive sketches that are the
most stirring and animated of pictures. Mr. Chapman is a naturalist of
Gilbert White's school in the keenness and accuracy of his perceptions.
He sees things for himself and takes nothing upon trust. Every lover of
a country life will delight in his vivid sketches.... The author's
enthusiasm is something irresistible. Even the drawbacks of that
'waiting game,' wild-fowling appear as of no weight when estimating the
glories of the sport as set forth in the admirable chapters on
'Wild-Fowl of the North-East Coast,' 'Midnight on the Oozes,' 'Wild-Fowl
and the Weather,' and so forth. Mr. Chapman illustrates his book with
pen-and-ink drawings, chiefly of wild-fowl, which are excellent for the
most part, and excellently reproduced."--_Saturday Review._
"The ardour for sport is tempered in the author's case by a steady habit
of observation, backed by careful note-taking and _reflection_, and
widened by experiences in other lands; and the result is such an
accurate record of the habits and movements of living birds in a single
district, and at all seasons of the year, as is hardly to be found in
any other volume of the same modest size and pretensions.... When the
Southern reader lays down this book he feels quite at home among the
curlew, the golden plover, and the grouse on the moors; he feels that he
has done the next best thing to a personal endeavour to get a sight of
those long lines of wild-geese on the bleak Northumbrian
coast."--_Spectator._
"An invigorating out-of-doors air pervades this book, and a happy
directness of description.... Although very comprehensively treating of
bird-life, a considerable portion of the book--and that not the least
interesting--is devoted to shooting (open and covert), but mainly punt
shooting. In sporting experience, so far as concerns the north-east
coast, Mr. Chapman stands in the front rank, and discourses of it with
an authority beyond controversy or challenge."--_Land and Water._
"Among the classics of local Natural History."--_Scotsman._
"His pages bristle with curiously minute and interesting facts
concerning 'our feathered friends.'"--_Leeds Mercury._
"Reads with the freshness of romance."--_Glasgow Herald._
"Every page is original, breezy, and fresh, and calculated to arouse the
longings of the sportsman, naturalist, and artist."--_Newcastle
Courant._
"One of the best books we have ever come across on bird-life, not only
of the borders, but of the United Kingdom."--_Western Daily Press_
(Bristol).
"A charming book, of which no true naturalist or sportsman will quickly
tire."--_Guardian._
"Will enchant all who are fond of birds. Sympathy with all living
creatures, careful observation with cautious deductions, and strong love
for the bleak moors and wild scenery of the Cheviots--such are the
characteristics of this most interesting book.... The illustrations add
a great charm to a book redolent of wild life and careful
observation."--_Academy._
"Abounds in subjects of interest; the scientist will not be disgraced
and the lover of sport and outdoor adventure will be more than
pleased.... The illustrations are in every sense an additional charm....
No book we ever read so amply fulfilled the promise of its
title."--_Kelso Mail._
"We predict for it the success to which its originality and charm, no
less than its scientific value, eminently entitle it."--_Northern Whig_
(Belfast).
"Transports us to the borderland of England and Scotland, as well as to
that of sport and science, and contrives to give us pictures of Arctic
Northumberland which are appallingly glacial, with episodes of bird-life
on moor or marsh which are astonishingly wild for the British
Islands.... Writes of them all with the picturesque vigour that comes of
thorough knowledge and deep affection."--_Pall Mall Gazette._
"It is doubtful if the birds themselves, if they could read such books,
would not count it folly to wish that their masters were more wise than
they are in the ways of wild-fowl, seeing that such knowledge must be
gathered mainly with the fowling-piece and the stancheon-gun. They might
deem the apathy of King Log preferable to the flattering attentions of
King Stork. Books of Sport and natural history are written, however, for
sportsmen and naturalists and not for birds. Mr. Chapman's volume is one
of the best of its kind. It has blemishes, as every work that has vigour
and originality about it must have. But it is full of keen and
intelligent observation.... Exhilarating and delightful."--_Scots
Observer._
"Many years of wandering on the hills, moors, and mosses of the
Border-land, and of wild-fowl shooting on the bleak and exposed
north-east coast, have given the author ample opportunity, and he has
evidently made use of his chances, the result being these pleasant and
original chapters, written in the best style, and the perusal of which
must be delightful to every true lover of nature."--_The Naturalist._
"This is an admirable book of its kind ... full of interest to devotees
of the gun and rod."--_Nature._
"For attitudes of wild-geese we have seen nothing better than the
illustrations to Mr. Abel Chapman's 'Bird-life of the Borders.'"--_The
Field._
"Although reviewers may play for safety when they are not sure of their
subject as regards an indifferent book, they show a wonderfully quick
appreciation for one that is thoroughly good. The present volume is a
case in point, for the author is at once a true sportsman and a
naturalist, as well as an artist of no mean ability, and from all sides
comes the chorus of praise."--_Annals and Magazine of Natural History._
GURNEY & JACKSON, 1, PATERNOSTER ROW.
(SUCCESSORS TO MR. VAN VOORST.)
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FOOTNOTES:
[1] The _fueros_ of the Basques comprise certain franchises and
privileges granted or upheld by ancient charters, and are their
undoubted right, though sought to be ignored by Madrid statesmen. It was
largely through his promises to re-establish their _fueros_, that Don
Carlos enlisted the sympathy and support of the Basque provinces. The
subject, however, is an intricate one, and is only alluded to
incidentally.
[2] An amusing little instance of Spanish justice arose out of
this:--Having refused to pay the fine, no further steps were taken for
its recovery, nor to uphold the majesty of the law, until, long
afterwards, the mulcted man's purse was stolen from his pocket in the
bull-ring at P----. On his appearing to prosecute the thief, whose guilt
was clearly proved, the Alcalde declined to restore the money, quietly
pocketing the purse with the remark, "I think, Señor Caballero, this
will just about settle the account between us!" This casual way of
administering justice was amusing enough, and consoled one for the
feeling of having been "bested."
[3] There is an excellent description of one of these tragic scenes in
Borrow (_Zincali_, i., pp. 48, 49).
[4] In a subsequent chapter we give some account of the life--and
death--of Vizco el Borje.
[5] _See_ "El Bandolerismo," by El Excmº. é Ilmo. Señor Don Julian de
Zugasti, late Governor of the province of Córdova (Madrid, 1876).
[6] We have seen an exception to this in the mountain villages of the
Castiles, where, on _fiesta_ nights, a sort of rude valse is danced in
the open street.
[7] The sporting incidents here narrated occurred twenty years ago,
viz., in March, 1872. This was the authors' first shooting expedition
_together_: for which reason we place its record in the first chapter.
[8] _Avetarda_ is old Spanish, the modern spelling being _Abutarda_.
[9] The grand secret of success in this sport (as elsewhere remarked) is
to place the guns _close up_ to the game. The means by which the primary
object is attained can hardly be set down on paper--nothing but
practice, quick and good judgment, and a sportsman's instinct will
effect it. In more than one instance we have found a deadly line
ambushed within 150 yards of the most watchful bustards, and on ground
where, to a novice, the feat would certainly be set down as impossible.
[10] The expression "Bull-fight" is a very inadequate interpretation of
the Spanish _Corrida_, or _Fiesta de Toros_, even in its modern form,
and conveys no idea of the magnificent spectacular displays of the
middle ages. Then, the national heroic life was but reflected in the
arena, in scenes embellished with all the stately accessories and
colouring dear to semi-Oriental minds. The mimic pageantry of to-day is
but a relic of former grandeur.
[11] Spanish writers, however, jealous for the national origin of the
sport, insist that the "Fiestas de Toros" were born in Spain, that there
alone have they increased and flourished, and that in Spain will they
continue while time lasts.
[12] On this point, Sanchez de Nieva writes ("El Toréo," published at
Madrid, 1879):--"The Arabs were much given to bull-fighting, and highly
skilled in the _lidia_, whether mounted or on foot. It must, however, be
borne in mind that these encounters took place in Spain, and that the
so-called Arabs were in reality Spaniards--the Moorish domination having
then lasted for seven centuries. It may be stated, without fear of
error, that nearly all the inhabitants of this country, after the first
two centuries, were, though born in Spain, Arabs in origin."
[13] Attempts were made by other countries to imitate the Spanish
spectacle. Italy, in 1332, celebrated a tauromachian festival which has
left a sad record on the page of history. No fewer than nineteen Roman
gentlemen, and many of lower rank, perished on the horns of the bulls.
After this tragic event bull-fights were prohibited in Italy, though for
a time revived by the Spanish in that country after their conquest of
Flanders and the Low Countries.
[14] De Bedoya's "Historia del Toréo" (Madrid, 1850) gives Francisco de
Romero as the first professional _lidiador_ of the modern epoch.
[15] The better-bred animals are always the more harmless, if not
molested.
[16] The following are some of the best known _garrochistas_ of recent
years: Señores Don Antonio Miura, Don Faustino Morube, Don Miguel
Garcia, Don Guillermo Ochoteco, Don José Silva, Don Fernando Concha, Don
Agusto Adalid, Don Angel Zaldos, Don Manuel Sanchez-Mira, Marques de
Bogaraya, Marques de Guadalest, Don Frederico Huesca, Marques de
Castellones, &c.
[17] The bull-fighters and their friends affect a language peculiar to
the Plaza: a dialect of systematic construction. To acquire a knowledge
of this "Jerga" (La Germania), with its idiomatic piquancy and raciness,
is the aim of the "fancy" young men, the _Flamencos_ of Southern Spain.
To be in the circle of the popular bull-fighters, with its perilous
female entourage, is considered _chic_ by certain gilded youth.
Flamenco-ism appears to find its _beau idéal_ in the borderland which
lies between the bizarre existence of the "torero" and the Gitano or
gypsy. (_See_ chapter on the Spanish Gypsy of to-day.)
[18] The _mancha_ of Salavar in the Coto Doñana is an example of one of
these green oases amidst barren, lifeless sand-wastes.
[19] These Godwits (_Limosa belgica_) are more common on passage earlier
in the spring. We have seen flights of many hundreds in February and
March. The Common Bar-tailed Godwit (_Limosa rufa_) we have never
chanced to meet with here, either in winter or spring--only on its
southern passage, in September.
[20] Kittiwakes and Black-headed Gulls in swarms during March and early
April, whitening acres of water. The latter remained till perfect
summer-plumage is attained (by March 21st). Little Gulls frequent: on
two occasions (in February and March) observed in scores. _Larus fuscus_
and _L. argentatus_ were common in March, and on April 5th we obtained
an adult of _L. marinus_ in the marisma. Of British Terns, _S. cantiaca_
and _S. fluviatilis_, were noticed in early spring.
[21] When first hatched, the legs of the young Stilts are quite short;
but by mid-June are of medium length, pale clay-colour, and curiously
swollen about the knee-joint. The upper plumage of the young at that
date is mottled brown, irides brown. By the following January these
young Stilts have acquired a black and white plumage; but the irides
remain dark, and the legs a pale pink. The adults vary in the
disposition of black and white in their plumage, especially on head and
neck, and some few have the breast prettily tinged with roseate.
[22] A pair of the _L. gelastes_ shot this day (together with some other
of our Spanish specimens) are now set up in the Hancock Museum at
Newcastle-on-Tyne.
[23] From the dates subsequently given, it would appear that the young
camels are produced about the month of February, or perhaps earlier.
[24] With the possible exception of those stated to have been discovered
in the Kum-tagh deserts of Central Asia by Col. Prejevalsky, the Russian
explorer.
[25] Wild-bred cattle, many of them destined for the bull-rings of Jerez
or Seville.
[26] The repugnance evinced by horses towards the camel was known ages
ago. At the battle of Sardis (B.C. 546) this equine weakness was
utilized by Cyrus in opposing to the Lydian cavalry a vanguard of camels
(Herodotus, Clio, pp. 78, 80). A similar stratagem was proposed by
Amurath I. at the decisive battle of Kossova between the Ottoman army
and the Confederate hosts of Servia, Bosnia, and Wallachia, August 27th,
1389, but was abandoned in deference to the fiery impetuosity of Prince
Bajazet and some supposed precepts of the Koran.
[27] The English language provides no word specially to designate a male
goat. We have, therefore, fallen back on the word _ram_, which, though
not strictly accurate, is the nearest available term.
[28] Horns from Nevada are thinner, more compressed laterally, and the
ridges show the spiral curves less distinctly. It is, after all, the old
question of what constitutes a species.
[29] The horns of the Spanish ibex rather resemble those of the burrell,
or wild sheep of the Caucasus, &c., than typical ibex-horns.
[30] "In the Pyrenees," Sir Victor Brooke writes us, "they are rare, and
live in the worst precipices I ever saw an animal in. They go into far
worse ground than chamois, and are very nocturnal--never seen except in
the dusk and early dawn, unless disturbed."
[31] The ibex of Asia Minor--a quite distinct species, _Capra
ægragus_--appears, according to Mr. E. N. Buxton (_Nineteenth Century_,
February, 1891, p. 261, _et seq._), to have somewhat similar habits,
frequenting the pine forests and lower wooded slopes of the hills, by
preference to the treeless summits. But the Turkish mountaineer is a
very different man to his Spanish representative, and appears utterly
careless of the charms of the chase, seldom molesting the wild goats,
whereas in Spain they are rarely left in peace while there is a chance
of killing them.
[32] A previous expedition in Gredos had proved entirely blank, not an
ibex being secured in a fortnight's shooting.
[33] The ibex are very fond of this shrub, which in summer has a red
bloom; and the zone of the _piornales_ is the lowest to which they
descend, even in winter.
[34] It is worth mentioning, as showing the importance of the wind and
the precarious nature of this pursuit, that on the former occasion a
sudden change in the wind had destroyed all chance for the day, and
rendered useless many hours' hard work and carefully-planned operations.
Even a "flaw" in its direction is often fatal to success, so keen of
scent is the _cabra montés_.
[35] From big game to butterflies is a far cry; yet, on the chance of
having some entomological readers, we may mention the following
_Rhodopalocera_ observed in these Central Spanish sierras: On the wooded
slopes and among the scrub, the speckled wood (_Ægeria_) and a large
wall (? sp.) were common; so also was a small species of azure blue. A
single orange-tip (_Cardamines_) was observed, and several of the
handsome _Melanargia sillius_. A very small copper was perhaps
_Polyommatus virgaureæ, var. Miegii_, Vogel, and of the clouded yellows,
_Colias phicomone_, E., higher, and _C. edusa_ and _hyale_, lower, were
also observed. On the heights was a small orange-, or chestnut-coloured
insect, very active, and quite unknown to us. A hairstreak (? _Theckla
roboris_) and _L. sinapis_ occurred in the lower woods, where the
brilliant _Gonopterix Cleopatra_ was also seen, as well as one or two
examples of a large and very handsome insect, apparently of the
_Limenitis_ group--chequered black-and-white, probably _L. Camilla_, F.
One should, however, be a specialist to identify these exotic species.
[36] Such place-names as Mom-Beltran de Lys, the Torre de la Triste
Condesa, and others, seem to suggest tales of historic lore and legend,
probably long since forgotten.
[37] The highest point of the Riscos appeared to be about 7,000 ft., and
commanded a superb panorama of the whole Sierra de Gredos, with its
towering peaks and snow-fields stretching away to their apex in the
Plaza de Almanzor. With regard to altitudes, we here write with some
uncertainty, as our aneroid, after being depressed to twenty-one inches,
appeared to exhibit some irregularities, and had possibly suffered some
internal or constitutional injury.
[38] We succeeded in taking several eggs of this bird in the crevices of
a sheer crag, after a somewhat perilous climb. These eggs are very
light-coloured; the ground colour is pale cream, faintly spotted with
brown and dull greyish splashes.
[39] Specific names not guaranteed.
[40] We found a nest of the Sandpiper (_Tolanus hypoleucus_) with four
nearly fresh eggs on May 23rd--Provincia de Santandér.
[41] This transformation of colour is well represented (though not
designedly so) by the two plates at p. 88 of Dr. Bree's "Birds of
Europe" (2nd ed.). The "Tawny Eagle" there figured might be a young
Imperial of, say, two months old; while _Aquila culleni_, so far as
colour is concerned, would do duty for the same bird at two years.
[42] Now in the Hancock Museum at Newcastle.
[43] The Rock-Martins' nests were fixed under the roof and upper ledges
of the caves, not unlike Swallows'. Their eggs are white, slightly
flecked with grey. At the same date (May 18th) we also obtained a nest
of the Blue Rock-Thrush, with five beautiful greenish-blue eggs. The
male, during the breeding-season, has a pretty habit of towering up in
the air, singing merrily, then falling back among the rocks like a
stone.
[44] Observed at this place and date a greater variety of butterflies
than ever before in Spain--brilliant Painted Ladies and Fritillaries
(?sp.); but most conspicuous were "yellows" of various kinds: _Thäis
polyxena_ and _Colias edusa_, large pale "sulphurs," some
whole-coloured, others with bright orange-tips; in others, again, the
orange adjoined the body. There were also many Heaths and Browns,
Speckled Wood, Bath Whites, and many (to us) unknown species.
[45] One nest still contained an unfledged youngster. On my appearance
at his abode the unsightly little brute at once disgorged a mass of
carrion that necessitated an immediate retreat.
[46] Of the 8,529,600 separate rural properties which exist on the
Spanish land-register, 2,729,600 are administered and cultivated for the
account of their proprietors; and 800,000 are let at a rental, either in
cash or "kind."
[47] Though no hay is made expressly, yet the sun-baked herbage, called
_pastos_, of the fallows and winter grazings is practically equivalent
to hay found ready-made.
[48] Taxation falls heavily enough on the farmer direct. Land-owners are
asked by the State for about one-fourth of the rental. The tax on
tenant-farmers is equally heavy, estimated by a cumbrous assessment,
based on the number of draught-oxen employed, or the head of grazing
stock. A large proportion of the taxation leviable is, however, evaded.
[49] The following table shows the production of _cereals_ (in Spain) in
a normal year:--
Wheat 32,776,055 hectolitres.
Barley 17,410,164 "
Rye 7,392,778 "
Maize 7,788,183 "
Oats 2,633,672 "
[50] A hectare is, roughly, about an acre and a half. A hectolitre is
equivalent to two and three-quarter bushels.
[51] The large irides and general appearance of this species seem to
indicate crepuscular tendencies, and an affinity--obsolete or
evolvent--to the _Strigidæ_, which is recognized in its generic name,
_Circäetus_, next to the Harriers. But, in fact, the affinity is more
apparent than real, for the Serpent-Eagle is of purely diurnal habits.
[52] Some Kites (_M. ictinus_), which had been feeding on reptiles, had
a most offensive smell. The beak of the male, in this species, is
_yellow_ to the tip; in the female, horn-colour. The kites all lay _two_
eggs, on the bare sticks--only once, in each case, have we found the
dual number exceeded, viz., _M. ictinus_, three young, on May 2nd; _M.
migrans_, three eggs, on May 10th. We have found the eggs of the
first-named as early as the closing days of March.
[53] Partridges commence this love-song as early as February. In March
it is continuous at sunrise and towards dusk. Here is an attempt to
syllable it:--
"Ch[)u]ck, ch[)u]ck ... churroùk, churroùk,
Chukàr, chukàr, ch[=o][)u]k!"
[54] In Egypt the Grey-backed Crow (_Corvus cornix_) is almost
exclusively the Cuckoo's dupe; in Algeria, _Pica mauritanica_.
[55] "The Zincali; or, an Account of the Gypsies of Spain." By George
Borrow. 2 vols. London, John Murray, 1841.
[56] Whatever may have been their origin, their language demonstrates
that the Spanish gypsies are not (as has been suggested) relics of the
expelled Moors, Arabs, or _Moriscos_, with whose tongue theirs has no
affinity. Many of the Rommany words appear to be of Sanscrit derivation.
[57] In speed of foot, the gitano lads carry off the palm, leaving all
competitors behind in the rare athletic contests which have taken place
in Southern Spain.
[58] These particulars are, however, given in nearly all Spanish diaries
and almanacs.
[59] We do not encumber ourselves on these bird-hunting expeditions with
tents, tressle-beds, indiarubber baths, and the other luxuries of the
regular shooting campaigns. Sometimes, after sleeping in the _cerrones_,
if no water was near, one's toilet was confined to a general "shake up,"
like a fox-terrier turning out from his mat, and we rode on till a
hill-burn afforded a chance of a bath and breakfast.
[60] Our own experience on this point would not enable us to assert this
fact so positively--indeed we have observed instances in which the
reverse case _appeared_ to obtain; but the circumstance has been stated
to us by an ornithologist whose authority stands beyond question or
doubt.
[61] Both my companion Ramon Romatez, and Juan Guarro y Guarro, as well
as several of our other men, were independent yeomen, owning from 150 to
200 goats apiece, which they pastured on the slopes of the sierra. They
were, however, glad to accompany us for the sum of eight _reales_ (one
shilling and eightpence) a day.
[62] Except at vintage-times the Alto Douro is almost uninhabited. Hence
in early autumn, when work is plentiful, there occurs an extraordinary
influx of labourers--men and women--many from considerable distances,
and especially from the Spanish province of Galicia, flocking into the
Alto Douro as the hop-pickers in September pour into Kent from the
_arcana_ of London, or as the Irish harvesters at that season flood the
Midlands and North of England.
[63] The following are the constituents of the four different classes of
soil of the Jerez vignobles, according to Don Simon de Roxas
Clemente:--1st. _Albariza_, chiefly consists of carbonate of lime, with
a small admixture of silex and clay, and occasionally magnesia. 2nd.
_Barros_, composed of quartz or sand, mixed with clay and red or yellow
ochre, which forms horizontal bands extending along the coast from the
mouth of the Guadalquivir as far as Conil. 3rd. _Arenas_, or pure quartz
ore sand. 4th. _Bugeo_, which contains argillaceous loam, mixed with
carbonate of lime, some quartz ore sand, and a large proportion of
vegetable mould.--"History of Modern Wines," by Dr. Alexander Henderson,
p. 190.
[64] Dr. Henderson makes a contrary statement in his "History of Ancient
and Modern Wines," p. 190 (London, 1824); but this we imagine must be
attributed to a slip of the pen, and is, in any case, erroneous.
[65] Nowhere can these spectacles be witnessed with greater ease, or to
better advantage, than on the Lower Guadalquivir, where, from the deck
of our vessel, we have counted as many as forty or fifty _barbones_
within easy reach of a field-glass. It is, however, only in the first
hours of daylight that they are thoroughly "on view."
[66] Col. Irby gives this love-note as "_prut, prut_." Mr. Howard
Saunders describes the rising and falling movement as more of a _jump_,
which may very likely be a more correct definition; or, perhaps, both
actions are executed. At the distance at which observations are
possible, it is difficult to be quite certain what one sees.
[67] It may be appropriate here to add that the curious chamæleon, which
is found nowhere else in Europe, is abundant in this district. It is
not, however, seen in mid-winter. Another remarkable reptile is the
lobe-footed gecko (_Platydactylus muralis_), which swarms about rocks
and old walls. Both the reptiles and insects of Spain would probably
richly repay further research.
[68] Since the above was written we have acquired the sporting rights
over parts of these great marshes, and have engaged the worthy
wildfowlers, Vasquez and Vergara, as keepers. Many pleasant days have we
spent with them and their ponies. But of this sport a fuller account
will be found in another chapter.
[69] That is, with two men behind the pony. We have since then, going
_single-handed_, occasionally succeeded in outwitting even the Grey Lag.
[70] Garganeys are said to be the swiftest of all the duck-tribe, and to
lead the migrating flights, both on their southern journey and also when
steering north. Hence their name: "_capitanes_."
[71] In the previous year (1888) the opening bag was 37 geese, 373
ducks, and 46 various.
[72] The best day, walking for snipe, December 4, 1889, produced 232
snipe--six guns.
[73] This failure of the gunning-punt in Spain is the more inexplicable
as in Egypt--the only other southern land in which, to our knowledge,
this sport has been attempted--the very reverse was the case. An
Englishman who took out a punt to the Nile abandoned the pursuit, as he
found no difficulty in taking the craft to such close quarters that he
bagged fifty to sixty each shot. Similarly, Lord Londesborough found the
fowl in the Egyptian lagoons so easily accessible that, after securing
2,290 geese and 1,800 ducks in the season (sixty-four geese being his
biggest shot), he abandoned further operations as lacking the one
essential condition--that of difficulty. (_Badminton
Library._--"Shooting: Moor and Marsh," pp. 261-2.)
[74] Our biggest shot with the _cabresto_-ponies realized 74 ducks and
teal; guns, a single 4-and a double 8-bore.
[75] The following note, being made from experience and on the spot, may
be worth inserting:--In driving large game of any kind, be careful to
make a good screen: there is always time to build up a breastwork either
of branches, or rocks, or snow, or whatever the material at hand may be.
If placed behind a thick bush, cut a deep nick into it with the
hunting-knife, so that one stands _well back_--_i.e._, right into the
bush, and appears to form an integral part thereof. How glad one is of
these little precautions _when game appears_!
[76] It may, however, fairly be added that we were using, in those days,
spherical bullets and the old cylinder smooth-bores--always erratic in
ball-practice beyond forty or fifty yards. All that is now superseded by
the introduction of the Paradox rifled gun (Col. Fosbery's patent), one
of the prettiest inventions and most remarkable improvements in modern
gunnery. With this beautiful weapon, which shoots ball as accurately as
a rifle, and comes to the eye as handy as a game-gun, no distracting
doubts need flurry one's aim at flying stag or boar within one hundred
yards; even snap-shots in covert are now a luxury instead of the
nerve-and temper-trying ordeal of yore. Such is the power and
penetration of the hollow-fronted conical ball that we have "raked" a
stag from stem to stern at one hundred and forty yards, the bullet
entering his chest, and lodging near the root of the tail almost
undamaged, after traversing the whole of the animal's vitals. For all
Spanish large game, the 12-bore Paradox, weighing 7-1/4 lbs., and
burning 3-1/2 drs. of powder, is an admirable weapon, and, except for
ibex and deer-stalking in the higher cordilleras, where very long shots
may be necessary, it almost takes the place of the heavier express
rifle.
[77] "Quien come carne de Grulla, vive cien años."
[78] These old and cunning stags do not always break covert so readily,
as the following incident will show. We had tracked a hart for some
miles, till eventually the trail led towards quite a small clump--not
two acres--of 20-ft. gorse and tree-heath with an outer fringe of
bamboo, all growing on dry ground, though entirely surrounded by
flood-water. Every indication pointed to the stag having couched in this
congenial covert; the hunters, however, traversed it without moving
game. The water-weeds outside showed no sign of the stag having passed
onward: but, to make sure, we took a wide cast on the drier ground
beyond, separating so as completely to encircle the _mancha_. No vestige
of a trail could be seen; clearly the beast still lay in the recesses of
his island-sanctuary. The gun once more took up his position to leeward,
and the covert was beaten again--this time more effectively, for
presently, amid crash of branches and bamboos, the stag, which had been
lying like a hare in its form, bounded out across the shallow
marsh--with the usual result!
[79] Where exact dates are mentioned in the following table they refer
to the earliest or the latest occurrences, respectively, that have come
under our notice.
[80] _Corrigendum_:--Though we have stated (p. 243) that the Raven
breeds _late_ in Spain, it also does so early, for Mr. Saunders writes
us:--"At Malaga it was nesting by mid-February, and near Baza I watched
a pair feeding their young between 15th and 20th March."
[Illustration: image of the book's back cover]