HAWKING IN AFRICA. 145 



frequently on the other side, and is generally found in 

 flocks of from ten to thirty. As they readily allow themselves 

 to be approached by horsemen, the sportsmen deploy on the 

 plain in an immense line preceded by the falconers marching 

 in front and at long intervals. 



It sometimes happens that the bustards take wing at a 

 great distance when they are disturbed, but the falconers 

 watch the place where they alight and continue walking for- 

 ward until they see either a flock on the ground, or one that has 

 taken wing near by. In either case, one or two of the best 

 falcons are cast off. 



As soon as the bustards that are on the ground perceive 

 the falcon liovering above them, they squat like the hare, 

 until the hawks have selected one of their number and 

 commenced attacking him. After one or two swoops have 

 been made, the poor bird is deserted by its mates, that fly 

 away and leave it to be killed on the spot. As can readily 

 be seen, such sport offers no great excitement, so the Arabs 

 do all they can to prevent the bustard waiting for the fal- 

 con. 



In the latter case, that is to say, when the hawks are cast 

 off at a flock of bustards that are on the wing, they 

 immediately single out a bird and commence pursuit. The 

 fugitive, conscious of its fate, doubles and mingles in the flock 

 in order to gain a chance of escape, then, when too closely 

 pursued, he leaves them and mounts perpendicularly in the 

 air struggling with all his might to keep above the falcons. 

 Then in rapid succession, one after another, the other hawks 

 are launched in air, and like so many feathered shafts, they 



7 



