HAWKING. 617 



In a general way, after five or six days of restraint the Falcon 

 is tamed, and the falconer can then proceed with the training, 

 to which the former practices are nothing but preliminaries. 



The bird is taken into a garden, and taught to hop up on the 

 fist when called ; a piece of meat is shown to entice it, which is 

 not given to the bird until the requisite manceuvre is properly 

 executed. The meat is then fastened to a lure, or decoy, and the 

 same course is adopted, the bird being attached to the end of 

 a string from ten to forty yards in length. The lure (Fig. 293) 

 is a flat piece of wood, covered on both sides with the wings 

 and feet of a Pigeon. The Falcon is uncovered, and the lure 

 is shown to it at a short distance off, and at the same time 

 a call is given. If the bird stoops upon the lure it is allowed 

 to take the meat which is attached to it. The distance is pro- 

 gressively increased, and the Falcon is recompensed for its docility 

 on each occasion. When, at the full length of the string, it 

 will obey the call, a great point is gained, for it fully recog- 

 nises the lure, and knows that the meat attached will become its 

 own on returning to its master. Then the falconer no longer fears 

 it becoming free, for he well knows he can reclaim it ; that is, 

 make it settle down upon his fist, even when the bird is flying in 

 the air. 



Afterwards it is introduced to living game by letting it fly at 

 tied Pigeons ; and, lastly, its education is completed by habitu- 

 ating it to stoop on the special game which it is intended to 

 chase. 



Supposing the game it is destined for pursuing to be the 

 Partridge, in the first place, the Pigeon's wings on the lure are 

 replaced by those of the Partridge, and then the Falcon is let 

 fly in succession, first at Partridges tied to a string, and then at 

 liberated birds. When it binds its prey well, and shows itself 

 obedient, it is employed on wild game. 



Birds of prey used to be educated for taking the Kite, the 

 Heron, the Crow, the Magpie, the Hare, Partridges, Quails, and 

 Pheasants ; also Wild Ducks and other aquatic birds. 



The pursuit of the Kite, the Heron, the Crow, and the Magpie, 

 the profit of which was absolutely nothing, was looked upon as a 

 sport fit for princes, and was carried on by means of the Falcon 



