Birds
Those that come
Samuel Rheen names swans, geese, ducks, and the birds of the water and of the woods. There are no tame ducks. The book says it is remarkable that they come from the south into the north, make a nest, and raise the young. He argues at length about the colours of the heathcock. That argument is not copied. The bird the Swedes call Jærpe lives in the woods, and it serves as food. The book doubts whether it is the same bird as the woodcock. The fish are on the fishing page. (Schefferus 1674)
The white partridge
No bird, the book says, is more numerous than the white partridge. It is in the woods and on the highest mountains, even when the mountains are covered with snow. In winter it is as white as the snow. Under the hen’s wing there is one black feather. In spring it turns grey, and stays grey until winter. The book calls it Lagopus, and Samuel Rheen calls it Fialriipor and Snioeripor. On the children page the same bird is the one whose wings, feet, and beak are hung on a girl’s cradle. A picture is missing. We are asking Siida. (Schefferus 1674)
Sámi Museum Siida