CONDITIONING AFTER MOULTING 479 



latter must be cut up into small pieces, is recom- 

 mended. 



When hawks have, by reason of idleness and good 

 feeding, become very fat during the moulting time, it 

 requires some care and attention to bring them into 

 flying condition. Starvation will not answer, but the 

 best plan is to recommence the training entirely, as if 

 with a young bird, as soon as the quill of the first 

 primary feather has become hardened. The food may 

 be slightly reduced by degrees, on alternate days, the 

 hawk carried about as much as possible, and a full 

 gorge every four or five days. On the day after the 

 gorge, little or no food need be given. The first time 

 it is flown again, it should be at the lure, and very 

 sharp-set, and well rewarded for obedience. 



If hawks get out of health they may often be cured 

 by being flown at ' hack.' Large bells should be used, 

 but before being turned out the bird should be lightly 

 fed two hours after having received a dose of rhubarb. 



Cramp. 



Cramp is the most fatal of all diseases to which 

 hawks are liable. I have referred to it previously. 



Lockjaw. 



A case has been quoted where a falcon, having 

 injured its foot, died from the above disease. 



Consiuuption. 



This in a hawk is very similar to the same com- 

 plaint in the human being. Cold and wet and general 

 neglect tend to produce it, though if treated soon 

 enough it may be overcome by warmth, proper food 

 and exercise. 



