148 HAWKS AND FALCONS. 



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 



Beak of the Falcon or Hawk Tiibe. 



than the fourth and fifth ; whereas, in the common 

 Hawk, the second 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 purposes. 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 accordingly, 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 hawk- 

 ing as a common sport. People used to go out into 

 the marshy grounds, and beat amongst the reeds and 

 bushes, for small birds which harboured 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 



