458 BLOCK 



can be fastened on while the hawk is hooded on the 

 wrist. 



The shape of the block should represent that of a 

 flower-pot turned upside down. A long iron pin is 

 driven in the bottom to ensure the block remaining 

 firm in the ground, and there must also be a gagged 

 staple at the top to tie the leash to. For merlin 

 lanners and sakers the blocks should be more like 

 a wine-glass, upright in shape, for such hawks ' mute ' 

 very short. These blocks may be from nine to twelve 

 inches in height, and four or five inches in diameter at 

 the top, and tapering off to the iron spike at the bottom, 

 the leash being fastened to a staple on the top. This 

 is necessary for all hawks which mute near their blocks, 

 in order that their plumage may be preserved from 

 being soiled. 



When on the screen at night or in cold weather, 

 the birds must not be allowed to touch the sfround or 

 walls with their wings, or reach each other when 

 ' bating.' 



The newest and best ' bow-perch ' is made of iron, 

 well-padded and covered with leather, the ring to 

 which the hawk is fastened coming through the leather 

 at the top (Plate II.). 



The hood is one of the most important of the various 

 necessaries for hawks, and is the most difficult to 

 obtain well made ; and every falconer should learn how 

 it is and should be made. That for the peregrine 

 and goshawk is made of three pieces of leather, the 

 best being calf, which is easily procured from any 

 saddler, such as bridles are made of. For the smaller 

 hawks, pig-skin, such as is used for saddles, will be 

 found to be stiff enough. The best description of 



