HAWKING. 145 



It is most likely in consequence of the persevering 

 pursuit and capture of them, that this fine breed of birds 

 is becoming exceedingly scarce in Iceland ; a late traveller, 

 during a visit of some months, not being fortunate enough 

 to see one, even at a distance. 



We may form some opinion of the rapidity with 

 which Hawks fly upon their prey, from the singular 

 manner in which the Lanner, a small Hawk, about the 

 size of a Pigeon (Falco lanarius), is often taken, or as 

 often killed, in the Feroe Islands, between Iceland and 

 the north of Scotland, where they are abundant, and is 

 considered as the tyrant of the smaller birds. The 

 Starlings are in such fear of it, that, when pursued, 

 they will take shelter in a church, or a house, and often 

 seek refuge in the presence of men. They often escape 

 by what is called a wind-house, a building made for 

 drying meat or fish, the sides of which consist of laths 

 placed at a very small distance from each other, just 

 wide enough, however, to admit the body of a Starling, 

 through which, when pursued, the frightened bird con- 

 trives to slip, leaving the Lanner, eagerly following close 

 behind, jammed quite fast between them. 



There is a Hawk called the Ringtail, or Goshawk 

 (Falco palumbarius), now rare in England, though for- 

 merly plentiful, and much valued for hawking, which 

 committed sad devastation amongst Partridges. Its 

 mode of hunting was to beat a field, and when a covey 

 was sprung to fly after them, and observe where they 

 settled; for as it was not a fast flyer, the Partridges 

 could outstrip it in speed: it then sprung the covey 

 again, and after a few times the Partridges became so 

 wearied that the Hawk generally succeeded in securing as 

 many as it pleased. To catch it a trap or two was set 

 in its regular beat, baited with a small rabbit, or the 

 stuffed skin of one; but a surer mode, particularly 

 in open unenclosed countries, was by preparing what 

 were called bird-bushes, about half a mile from each 

 other. A large stake was driven into the ground 



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