HAWKING IN AFRICA. 143 



it swoops on the hare that is running, and it hovers on the 

 one which squats. 



In the open plains the hares are so frightened at the sight 

 of the falcon, that they usually squat when they see it. In 

 either case, all the birds are successively let loose in order to 

 support the first. 



It is a very curious spectacle to see the falcons sweeping 

 one by one over the hare, which they strike with their claws 

 without stopping in their flight, while the horsemen waving 

 their burnous in their joy, hurrah and gallop so lustily, 

 that it would cause a braver animal than a hare to die of fear. 

 Whether the hare runs or is motionless, the bird never tears 

 him to pieces until he is stunned by the blow he has received, 

 and no longer gives any sign of life. Then, by the master's 

 orders, the falcon is retaken, rehooded, and the chase recom- 

 mences. 



As, when once satisfied, the birds become lazy, they are 

 never allowed to eat any but the last hare taken; then they 

 are permitted to eat their fill on the spot, to encourage them 

 for the remainder of the season. 



It sometimes happens that the hare, perceiving the falcon, 

 takes refuge under the horses, and is followed by the bird. 

 The chase then becomes full of interest and uproariously 

 noisy. 



The falcon not being able to strike his prey except by 

 sweeping on him in a vertical direction, finds the body of the 

 horse in his way ; he expresses his anger by piercing cries, 

 and manoeuvres around and above the protecting animal. 

 Whatever may be the address of the horseman or the direc- 



