HAWKING IN AFRICA. 141 



jumps to the ground and approaches it, holding out the lure 

 and letting it see some pieces of flesh which never fail in 

 attracting it. When a falcon, either while intent upon its 

 prey, or when lost in hunting, recognizes the lure, it is 

 regarded as ready to fly, that is his education is finished. 



As I have no intention of publishing a treatise on falconry, 

 I refer the reader, desirous of knowing the rules in regard to 

 falcons, to French and other foreign authors who have written 

 all that a falconer ought to know in regard to the education 

 of his birds. 



I ought, however, to mention one fact which cannot but be 

 useful to those who practise, or wish to learn, this knightly 

 sport. m 



According to the authors who have written on falconry, the 

 European falcon is subject to a number of dangerous diseases, 

 in spite of the care lavished on it by its keepers. It is differ- 

 ent in Algeria, where these cases are rare. I think there are 

 three reasons which cause this superiority in the African 

 falcon. 



The first is, that Arabs very rarely use any but full grown 

 falcons. The second is, that they are allowed their liberty 

 before moulting. The third is, that in place of being shut up, 

 the birds follow their masters in their travels, are carried on 

 the shoulder; and when the tribe is encamped, they are 

 allowed to pass the day on or around the perch, outside the 

 tent, under cover of which they are brought at night. 



It is generally in December that the education of falcons 

 is ended, and they commence to fly. The northern Arabs 



