CHAPTER XIV 

 Hawks in the Field 



HALF an hour or so before the time appointed for starting 

 to the field, the falconer will begin to hood up those 

 hawks which are to be taken out. Each of them, if in proper 

 order, will jump from the block or the perch to his fist as soon 

 as he extends it within reach. For some of them it will be a 

 very simple matter to slip on a hood ; and without further ado 

 they will be placed on the cadge and the leash made fast to it. 

 Others which have only lately completed their training, or 

 which have not yet quite mastered a dislike to the hood, may 

 be first indulged by the production of a tiring, and before or just 

 after they begin to pull at it may be hooded with such dexterity 

 as the operator can boast of. A good hooder is also a quick 

 hooder ; but nothing is more likely to make a man bungle his 

 business than to set about it in a hurry at the last moment, just 

 before it is time to start. 



The cadge, if a cadge is to be taken out, being placed in a 

 sheltered spot, with its occupants ranged along it and safely 

 attached, all the requisite paraphernalia to be carried must be 

 properly stowed away either in some vehicle or in the falconer's 

 pouches or pockets. For every person who is to take any active 

 part in the day's proceedings, it will be well to have a lure which 

 he can easily carry. Each such man should also reserve at least 

 one pocket, unless he wears a pouch, in which he can put a 

 spare hood and a spare leash. When it is expected that a live 

 lure may be required, the bird which is to serve the purpose 

 should be accommodated with comfortable quarters in which he 

 cannot be shaken or knocked about, or be cramped or short of 

 air. The man who carries the cadge must be instructed or 

 reminded as to his duties — how to set down the cadge under the 

 lee of a rick or fence or other shelter, and, having done so, to keep 

 his eyes open, and act as a marker. Some code of signals may 



