122 HAWKS AND FALCONS. 



The "beak of an Eagle is comparatively long, terminating in a 

 hook ; whereas, that of the Falcon or Hawk tribe is short, 

 and begins to bend from its base. In an Eagle, the first, 

 second, and third feathers of the wing are shorter than the 

 fourth and fifth : whereas, in the common Hawk the second 



Beak of Eale Falcon, or Hawk Tribe 



feather is the longest, and the first and third of equal length; 

 but in the true Falcon, the first feather is the longest. There 

 may be some exceptions to the strict letter of this rule, but 

 generally speaking, it is sufficiently correct for practical pur- 

 poses. Owing to the greater docility of several of the Hawk 

 and Falcon species, they have been made useful to mankind 

 by being trained to catch game of various sorts ; and accord- 

 ingly people of all nations, from very early days, have taken 

 pains in rearing and training them. Above two thousand 

 years ago, ancient writers speak of hawking as a common 

 sport. People used to go out into the marshy grounds, and 

 beat amongst the reeds and bushes for small birds which har- 

 boured there ; and as they flew away, Hawks were let loose 

 in pursuit, and when the game fell to the ground, either 

 through fright, or struck by the Hawks, the men ran up and 

 secured them. Others were so well taught, that they not 

 only returned to their owners when called, but brought what- 

 ever they might have captured in their flight. Some North 

 American Indians understand the art of taming these birds, 

 and are equally fond of the sport ; but it has been remarked, 



