The Ornithology of Shakespeare Part 45

Milton, in "L'allegro," speaks of "meadows trim with daisies _pied_."

[83] "Lady-smocks" (_Cardamine pratensis_), a common meadow plant appearing early in the spring, and bearing white flowers. Sir J. E.

Smith says they cover the meadows as with linen bleaching, whence the name of "ladysmocks" is supposed to come. Some authors say it first flowers about Ladytide, or the Feast of the Annunciation, hence its name.

[84] Botanists are not agreed as to the particular plant intended by "cuckoo-buds." Miller, in his "Gardener's Dictionary," says the flower here alluded to is the _Ranunculus bulbosus_. One commentator on this pa.s.sage has mistaken the _Lychnis flos cuculi_, or "cuckoo-flower" for "cuckoo-buds." Another writer says, "cuckoo-flower" must be wrong, and believes "cowslip-buds" the true reading, but this is clearly a mistake.

Walley, the editor of Ben Jonson's Works, proposes to read "crocus-buds," which is likewise incorrect. Sidney Beisley, the author of "Shakespeare's Garden," thinks that Shakespeare referred to the lesser celandine, or pilewort (_Ranunculus ficaria_), as this flower appears early in Spring, and is in bloom at the same time as the other flowers named in the song.

[85] See Chambers's "Book of Days," i. 531.

[86] The "cresset-light" was a large lanthorn placed upon a long pole, and carried upon men's shoulders. (_See_ Strutt's "Sports and Pastimes,"

Introduction.)

[87] Thornbury, "Shakespeare's England," vol. i. p. 339.

[88] Sir S. D. Scott, "The British Army: its Origin, Progress, and Equipment," vol. ii. pp. 80, 81.

[89] "The British Army: its Origin, Progress, and Equipment." London, 1868, vol. ii. pp. 284-286.

[90] Note here the use of the word "extravagant" in its primary signification, implying, of the ghost, its wandering beyond its proper sphere.

[91] _Apropos_ of ale-house signs, Shakespeare gives us the origin of "The Bear and Ragged Staff." It is the crest of the Earls of Warwick.

_Warwick._ "Now, by my father's badge, old Neville's crest, The rampant bear chain'd to the ragged staff."

_Henry VI._ Part II. Act v. Sc. 1.

[92] "The Compleat Gamester," 1709.

[93] "The Variation of Animals and Plants under Domestication," i. 235.

[94] Id. i. 236, 237.

[95] See also _Taming of the Shrew_, Act iv. Sc. 1, and _Tempest_, Act iv. Sc. 1.

[96] Darwin, "Variation of Animals and Plants under Domestication," i.

290.

[97] Pro. Zool. Soc. April 24th, 1860.

[98] Darwin, op. cit.

[99] Baker's "Chronicle."

[100] It is observable, however, that in "The Privy Purse Expenses of King Henry VIII." turkies are not once mentioned amongst the fowls to be provided for the table.

[101] "Journal Asiatic Society, Bengal," vol. xxix. p. 38.

[102] Pp. 390, 391.

[103] In the ruined temple of Medineet Haboo is a representation of the coronation of the famous warrior, King Rameses III. (B.C. 1297). "The conquering hero, among the clamours of the populace, and shouts of his victorious army, is depicted proceeding to the temple to offer his grateful thanks to the G.o.ds; and whilst certain priests in their gorgeous robes are casting incense about, and offering up sacrifices at many a smoking altar, others are employed in letting off carrier-pigeons to announce the glad tidings to every quarter of the globe."--LEITH ADAMS, _Notes of a Naturalist in the Nile Valley and Malta_, p. 27.

[104] A good description of these whistles, by Mr. Tegetmeier, with ill.u.s.trations, will be found in the _Field_ of the 12th March, 1870.

[105] Darwin, "Variation of Animals and Plants under Domestication," i.

pp. 204, 205.

[106] Hunter "On the Animal Economy," p. 194.

[107] "Ill.u.s.trations of British Ornithology."

[108] "Ornithological Dictionary," Preface, 1st edition.

[109] "Pigeons: their Structure, Varieties, Habits, and Management." By W. B. Tegetmeier, F.Z.S. London, 1868.

[110] "Glossary," 4to. Lond. 1822.

[111] Sir W. Raleigh, "History of the World," Book I. Part i. c. 6.

[112] See _ante_, p. 143.

[113] Translated from the French by Sir Thos. Mallory, Knt., and first printed by Caxton, A.D. 1481.

[114] See "Chambers's Dictionary," last ed., article "Chase;" also Holt White's note to this pa.s.sage in the "Variorum Shakespeare."

[115] Wood's "Buffon," xix. p. 511, note.

[116] This, it will be observed, differs materially from Col. Hawker's observation.

[117] "Essays on Natural History," second series, p. 128.

[118] See end of Chapter V.

[119] _See_ "The Ibis," 1869. p. 358.

[120] As a copy of the "Northumberland Household Book" is not readily accessible, we give the following interesting extract, showing the price, at that date, of various birds for the table:--

Capons at iid. a pece leyn (lean).

Chickeyns at d. a pece.

Hennys at iid. a pece.

Swannys (no price stated).

Geysse iiid. or iiiid. at the moste.

Pluvers id. or id. at moste.

Cranys xvid. a pece.

Hearonsewys (_i.e._ Heronshaws or Herons) xiid. a pece.

Mallardes iid. a pece.

Teylles id. a pece.

Woodc.o.kes id. or id. at the moste.

Wypes (_i.e._ Lapwings) id. a pece.

Seegulles id. or id. at the moste.