BIRDS OF PREY. 



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On these occasions the Khan rode upon an elephant, and was followed by 10,000 men, who 

 stood in an enormous circle round him, ready to catch the Falcons and bring them back to their 

 owners. Twelve of the finest birds were appropriated to the Sultan, and these, as well as those 

 belonging to the principal nobles, were distinguished by a silver plate fastened to the leg, on which 



ORIENTAL FALCONRY, 



the name of their owner was written, whilst the Falcons belonging to inferior members of the suite 

 were without the badge, and were handed over to the care of an officer appointed for their especial 

 protection. Tavermer, who resided in Persia for many years in the seventeenth century, tells us that 

 the King of Persia had 800 Falcons, of which some were taught to hunt wild boars, wild asses, 

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