THE HOBBY. 251 



have often," continues the same authorit}^, ^' witnessed 

 its flight in pursuit of this bird, and it is astonishing 

 how dexterously the little creature avoids the fatal 

 strokes until it become fatigued. A hobby, in pursuit 

 of a lark, was joined by a hen harrier, who, not being 

 so rapid on the wing, was usually behind, and ready to 

 avail Inmself of the sudden turns the unfortunate lark 

 was compelled to make to avoid the talons of the hobby» 

 However, after numberless evolutions, the hen harrier 

 relinquished, being unequal to the chase, and left the 

 deadly stroke to one better adapted for rapid and 

 durable flight and aerial evolutions. The country was 

 open, and as far as the eye could discern the chase 

 continued, but doubtless without a chance of the lark 

 avoiding the fatal blow." The hobby, both male and 

 female, though naturally impatient, yet with much care 

 and perseverance may be trained to wait on, and will 

 afford some sport, small as their size is, when flown at 

 blackbirds, thrushes, larks, &c. 



These minikin falcons were great favourites with 

 some of the most reputed old falconers. Blome is 

 loud in their praise. " This hawk," he says, " next 

 the merlin, is the least of all hawks, j-et held in good 

 esteem, being observed to follow the falconer and dog 

 in the field ; and when she espies any lark or other 

 small birds, she makes at them with great courage, few 

 escaping her. She affords very good diversion with 

 nets and spaniels, which is thus done. Cause your 

 dogs to range and beat about the field, to spring tlie 

 larks ; but the poor birds, espying the hawk soaring 

 aloft, dare not betake themselves to their wings, think- 

 ing to lie close, and so you draw the net over them 

 and take them. The hobby lieth indifiereut well 



