MODES OF CAPTURE. 267 



diversion has been laid aside of late years on the conti- 

 nent as well as in this country,) are natives of the village 

 of P'alconsward. The hawks are generally caught during 

 the months of October and November, Avhen they are on 

 their passage towards the southern parts of Europe. The 

 falconer constructs a low turf hut in an open part of the 

 country, with a small opening on one side ; at about a 

 hundred yards' distance a light-coloured pigeon is placed 

 in a hole in the ground covered with tiu-f, with a string 

 attached to it which reaches to the hut ; another pigeon 

 is placed at a similar distance on the opposite side. At 

 ten yards' distance from each pigeon a small bow net is 

 fixed on the ground, so arranged as to be pulled quickly 

 over by means of a piece of small iron wire, made fast 

 to the net, and reaching to the hut. The string by 

 which the pigeon is held passes through a hole in a 

 piece of wood, driven into the ground in the centre of 

 the bow net. The falconer has also a decoy pigeon in 

 a string a short distance from the hut, and several tame 

 pigeons on the outside, who on the sight of the hawk 

 immediately take shelter within. The butcher bird is 

 fastened by a leather thong on a hillock of turf a yard in 

 height ; and a few yards' distance of the hut a small hole 

 is made, and a piece of turf laid over for a place of retreat 

 in case of danger. The falconer, employing himself in some 

 sedentary occupation, observes every motion of his little 

 watch ; and it is almost incredible at how great a distance 

 he will point a falcon in the air. If it approaches, he 

 shows symptoms of alarm in his feathers, fixing his eyes 

 in the same direction ; on a nearer approach he screams 

 aloud, the falcon being then not less than three or four 

 hundred yards' distance; on its closer approach he retreats 

 under the tiu-f, and quite conceals himself. It is then that 



