now TO TRAIN IT. 247 



tators of that sport, we saw more than thii-ty takeu by 

 this deceit, whence one may conjecture that one fowler, 

 in the space of one day, might take more than a hun- 

 dred." These hawks do not usually stay so long in 

 one place as falcons, but are often changing place, 

 whence it is more difficult to take them with a net. 



The sparrow-hawk may be taught to fly at partridges, 

 landrails, quails, and all the smaller birds ; and as she 

 is very industrious and not intractable, it is to be 

 wondered that, so easily as she may be procured, she 

 is not used more. Perhaps it is because she will not 

 follow birds high in the air. As a short winged hawk 

 she is reclaimed and manned after the manner of the 

 goshawk, which she so much resembles. To prevent 

 her being baulked at her first essay at partridges, enter 

 her either to a young bird, or otherwise to one shortened, 

 i. e. with one wing or both wings clipped. Blome says, 

 " When you enter your sparrow-hawk, hold your left 

 hand aloft, that she may the better watch both the 

 spaniels and prey ; you must give her some small re- 

 ward, after every flight, especially if she kill ; and if at 

 first entering she miss, be sure to have some young- 

 partridges or birds in your bag for her to kill. After 

 she is well entered and poussled, then hold down your 

 fist, whereas formerly you held it up. You should like- 

 wise be sure to let your spaniels range near together, 

 and on your right hand, that she may the better discern 

 her game, and flee to the most advantage; for which 

 purpose you should be as near the dogs as possible, and 

 carry jowx hand low, that she may not bear at the game, 

 before they spring. He that is not quick of sight and 

 nimble of hand with his sparrow-hawk, shall soon spoil 

 her, but with care and due attendance there are few 



