112 THE SPARROW-HAWK 



held in no small esteem. For though universally difficult to bring 

 into subjection, once subdued, this bird behaves most amiably towards 

 its owners, yet losing nothing of its courage and ferocity. The male, 

 or " musket," is flown at small birds blackbirds for choice ; the 

 female at all kinds of quarry up to partridges. When so large a bird 

 as the latter is tackled, it is interesting to note that the hawk keeps 

 her balance on the back of the stricken and struggling bird by the aid 

 of the wings and tail which are pressed firmly down on to the ground. 

 Whether the bird in a wild state would be able to tackle so large a 

 victim is doubtful, for at any rate in partridge-hawking the falconer 

 always has to come to the rescue. When quail were common in this 

 country they were the favourite quarry, and in India to this day they 

 are commonly flown at by sparrow-hawks by native falconers. 



