WATERFOWL IIAAVKIXG. 501 



retreat of ^vild fowls, wliile horsemen with the hawks 

 on their fists ready to fly them at the quarry. 



A heron or mallard would require two, while the 

 smaller species, such as widgeon and teal, would onl}^ 

 require one. Blome's directions of brook hawking 

 begin with the following hints on the training of 

 falcons to this sport : — 



" In many places there are ponds enclosed with woods, 

 bushes, and the like obscurities, so that they w^ere con- 

 cealed from passengers ; and such places ducks do much 

 resort to. Now, for the training of your hawks to take 

 them, observe these directions : your hawk being in all 

 points ready to fly, be j^rovided with two or three live 

 train ducks, and let there be a man, w^ho must lie con- 

 cealed in a bush by the pond with them, so that, coming 

 to the place, having your hawk prepared for a sudden 

 flight, beat the bush with your pole W'here the man 

 lieth concealed with the ducks, who must cast forth one 

 of them, to the end the hawk may think it was put up 

 by you, and if with a courage she takes it, reward her 

 well ; and this is the w^ay to train up a goshawk to catch 

 a wild duck at sui':re. Having trained your hawk to 

 this, you may boldly go with her to the ponds where 

 the fowl lies, and creeping close to the place, raise them 

 up by beating about with your pole, and when an}^ rise 

 let go your hawk from your fist, and if she seizes it, let 

 her take her pleasure thereon and reward her well ; nor 

 will she be fearful of the dogs, for when they are once 

 managed and brought into good subjection, they will 

 know their duty, and be fej^rful of transgressing; but 

 be sure you have no strange dogs, for one may spoil 

 your sport, drawing the rest into errors, and cause them 



