142 THE LION KILLER. 



hunt the partridges and hare ; those of the south the hare 

 and bustard. 



The place of meeting having been chosen for hunting the 

 hare, the owner of the birds rides out from his tent, accom- 

 panied by his guests, and followed by the falconers and horse- 

 men in his employ. On his arrival at the rendezvous, the 

 invited guests come forward to kiss his hand, and then mount 

 their horses. 



On a signal from the chief, the falconers begin the chase, 

 walking ahead in single file, while the horsemen skirmish 

 around at full gallop. The chief and nobles who accompany 

 him follow the falconers. 



After the horsemen that are coursing around have taken 

 their stations, which are generally ten or fifteen yards apart, 

 all facing the same way, they march straight ahead at a walk, 

 regulating their course in the following manner : the most 

 advanced of the falconers, by the pace of those that follow 

 them, who ought never to pass them ; and the others by the 

 progress of the horsemen on the extremities of the two wings 

 of the squadron, who keep in advance of the line to regulate 

 the chase. 



As soon as the hare is started, the cry is raised by the one 

 who first sees it, and each manoeuvres in such a. manner as to 

 form a circle. At the same time the falcons are unhooded, 

 and the best taught is cast off" the first. Once free, the 

 bird mounts the air in circles above the ring made by the 

 horsemen, the falconer follows the direction of the hare in a 

 gallop, and calls his falcon until he sees it swoop or hover ; 



