HAWKS. 143 



they happen to meet with one of them, they watch it very 

 attentively, and draw good or evil omens, or signs, from its 

 motions ; if it sits still, with its breast towards them, till they 

 have passed, they consider it as a fortunate sign, and everything 

 is expected to go on well during the remainder of their journey ; 

 whereas, if its back is turned towards them, it is considered an 

 unfavourable sign, but not sufficiently so as to create serious 

 alarm ; but should it happen to fly away hastily on their 

 approach, some of the most superstitious among them will 

 immediately turn back, and go home again, and wait for a more 

 favourable opportunity for undertaking their journey. Mr. 

 Salt was so much struck with the resemblance of this species 

 to the sacred Hawk, so often seen inscribed on the ancient 

 picture-writings, or hieroglyphics, as they are called, of Egypt, 

 that he considered it to be the same which was formerly held 

 sacred and worshipped. 



