55 



lanarins, in which respect it also approaches to the structure of F. barbarus. Judging from 

 the partial remains of the immature plumage in one specimen, it would appear that in this 

 stage the bird most nearly resembles F. peregrinus, in which particular it also agrees with 

 F. barbarus!'' 



In habits this Falcon does not differ greatly from its allies, but it is not so bold or powerful 

 a bird as the Peregrine, and is held in less estimation by most falconers. It is, to a large extent, 

 a rock-frequenting species, but is also found in groves ; and during the season when the wild 

 fowl migrate southward it frequents lagoons and localities where these birds are met with. 



Amongst the Arabs, however, the Lanner appears to be valued higher than amongst 

 European falconers ; for Canon Tristram states that they are, when trained, valued at from 

 £40 to £60. This gentlemen, in his Notes on the Ornithology of Northern Africa (Ibis, 1859, 

 p. 284), writes as follows, viz.: — "As far as 1 could discover, the Lanner breeds about the Atlas 

 range, chiefly, if not exclusively, on its southern side, while the Saker is a more truly desert 

 inhabitant. 



"The Arab Sheiks pursue the sport of falconry with all the zeal, skill, and science of the 

 ' noble mysterie ' of our ancestors. The villein who presumed to raise his hand against the 

 king's deer was not more certain of condign punishment from the Norman, than the plebeian 

 Sehaur who should dare to cast a Hawk in the Sahara. No Agha or Sheik of high degree ever 

 moves for war, business, or pleasure unattended by his falconers, who are his confidential 

 lieutenants. The care of three Falcons is considered sufficient employment for one falconer 

 with an assistant ; and on the march, one or two of these important personages follow mounted 

 immediately behind the Sheik, with a hooded Falcon on the wrist and one perched on each 

 shoulder. The Houbara Bustard is the favourite quarry ; but Eagles, Kites, Sand-grouse, and 

 (in the case of the Sakkr Falcon) the gazelle afford equal sport to the huntsman. When a 

 Bustard is descried, the whole cavalcade instantly halt, the Hawk on the wrist is transferred to 

 the hand of his master, who, attended by his falconers alone, instantly sets off, and, unhooding 

 his bird, throws him from his wrist towards the Bustard. Much skill is exercised in drawing 

 the attention of the Falcon to the Bustard before it rises. Should it unfortunately take wing 

 before its pursuer has poised herself above it, an ill-trained or impetuous bird is very apt to 

 strike it in the air. This, according to the view of your Desert connoisseur, is a most unpar- 

 donable and unsportsman-like offence, to be punished with death. A skilful Hawk will at once 

 rise to a considerable height, then, swooping down, make feints until the Bustard takes to its legs 

 instead of its wings. The Falcon then poises herself over it while a second is flung off the wrist, 

 and the two together give chase, the speed of the Houbara being such that a fleet Arab can 

 scarcely keep up with the pursuit. The poor bird runs along, aiding its speed by a perpetual 

 fanning with its wings, its head stretched forward like a Corncrake's, and its conspicuous black 

 and white ruff folded close back over its neck — a pitiable contrast to the proud fellow who was 

 lately strutting with head erect, elevated crest, and expanded ruff, challenging all comers. The 

 pursuers hang over him only a few yards above him, and at each effort he makes to take wing 

 swoop down with a feint. It is considered the excellency of a Falcon to make these feints at 

 the quarry until it is nearly exhausted, when the fatal swoop is made, and the bird instantly 

 drops, struck dead by the hind claw having pierced its vertebra?. This manner of hunting is 



