6 RECREATIONS OF A NATURALIST 



what a loss to the cause is implied by their 

 decease. Thanks, however, to the active members 

 of the Old Hawking Club, with their skilful falconer, 

 George Oxer, the old sport is still maintained, and 

 a goodly number of Falcons are trained every 

 year to show sport with Rooks on the downs in 



THE PEREGRINE FALCON. 



early spring, and game in the autumn. Many 

 others might be named who, although not members 

 of the club, follow its example and keep hawks of 

 their own in different parts of the country. Thus 

 the old sport is in no immediate danger of ex- 

 tinction, although it must be confessed that many 

 " signs of the times " are by no means favourable 



