88 » HOW I BECAME A FALCONER. 
near a goshawk's bow-perch, especially if the bird is feed- 
ing; for what would reach a man’s leg might reach a child’s 
face. 
Perhaps I ought to say.that, in all probability, the first goshawk 
which a man has will disappoint him. Though very nice birds when 
well trained and in “ yarak,”’ they are most sulky and temper-try- 
ing at other times. But carriage on the fist, low feeding except 
on gorge days (which must certainly not be passed over), a public 
position foy,the bow-perch, and then plenty of work, make them all 
right ; and when a.man can kill with one bird three or four rabbits, 
or even on occasion double that number, i in a morning’s walk, he will 
think the result north all the initiatory trouble. 
Goshawks will stand a good deal of exposure to cold, but not too 
much. I once had one dreadfully cramped in the winter—she was 
an old bird, too; but the winter was very severe. Both her feet 
were ‘doubled up,” so to speak, and remained in that state till 
we tried goose grease. Anda most wonderful remedy it was; it 
suddenly made her as nearly well as might be. 
These birds may be kept without much expense, especially where 
rabbits are to be got for nothing. I most earnestly, however, advise 
some beef of the best kind. Rats, if fairly caught—i.e., free from all 
suspicion of having been poisoned—are very well occasionally ; and 
the leg of an old hen is a nice change. The heads and necks of 
fowls which are used in the house should be reserved, unplucked, by 
all falconers, as they cost nothing, and are very respectable food. 
In no systematic way, subject to no particular dates, bit by bit, 
I have now told my friends “ how I became a falconer.” They have 
seen me with hawks of different kinds, bungling and disappointed 
at the beginning, but quite as successful as I ever hoped to be, 
towards the middle and at the ond. If any stranger to the sport 
should read these chapters, and choose to make an attempt at 
falconry, he will have no reason to be discouraged, for I have told 
