IN PURSUIT OF PREY. 95 



failing, as it may happen. If we may judge of quadrupeds and 

 bii*ds from what is known to bo true with regard to human beings, 

 we may reasonably believe that gi'eat muscular exertion during the 

 endeavour to escape from an enemy will supersede and anniliilate 

 fear. The wonderful skill and readiness of resource which a hare 

 displays to defeat the greyhounds, is not compatible with overwhelm- 

 ing dread or panic fear, as we understand those sensations. If 

 pigeon-hawking be required, let it be followed in the open stubbles, 

 with a cast of high-spirited tercels, and in fresh breezy weather ; 

 getting the hawks into the air well away to the windward of the 

 quarry, or with the advantage of rising ground, or lastly, by being 

 interposed between the flock of pigeons and the dovecot to which 

 they are expected to return. Or another course may be followed, 

 near any open airy farm-stead, free from trees, and having a well- 

 stocked dovecot and a friendly owner, or one who will be so for 

 " a consideration." Let a brisk windy day be again selected, and a 

 cast of tercels or a falcon and a tercel. Let the hawks be unheeded, 

 but held on the fist with their breasts to the wind, while a noise is 

 made to alarm the pigeons slightly, and cause them to circle round 

 in the air. When the hawks are seen to be intent on watching the 

 flock, and eagerly extend their own wings, let a gun be discharged, 

 and the hawks instantly cast off. The report will send the pigeons off 

 towards the fields, or on a wider circuit, whilst the hawks will mount 

 quickly on the wind, and will either pursue the flock, or be ready 

 to stoop as they again approach. A flight obtained by the hawk in 

 this way would be a dashing one requiring all her skill and speed. 

 As she is more than likely to be defeated by the active quarry, a 

 fresh-killed young pigeon must be ready to be thrown to her on her 

 return to the lure. A clever tercel with a little practice of this kind 

 near different dovecots (for such a breach of hospitality should not 

 be repeated for long at the same), would soon enter into the plot, 

 and perform his part to admiration ; and he would learn to mount 

 literally *♦ on the wings of the wind,'* on being carried within sight 

 of pigeons on a stubble. 



Such is the course I should take, if compelled to have recourse to 

 pigeons as a quarry, in the absence of partridge and snipes. It 

 may be well to observe, in explanation, that the male bird or tercel 

 is recommended to take the lead in this kind of chase, not for any 

 superior speed (which he does not possess), but because he can get 

 more quickly into full speed when flown from the fist, and will often 



