MERLINS 



319 



way many times, and have also hacked them, and we have 

 found those reared in a room prove just as good fliers as those 

 that had been hacked. It was also the method employed by 

 Mr. Newcome, who was very successful with these little hawks. 

 Whether hacked or not, merlins will do better loose in a room 

 than on blocks or perches. On days when they are to be 



Lark hawking 



flown they can be taken up, and after being given a few 

 mouthfuls in the morning, set down on small-sized blocks or 

 on the bow-perch (see description in Chapter VII.) ; the latter 

 is the best perch for merlins. When in the house they can 

 be secured on the ' screen.' The flight for which merlins 

 are most esteemed is that of the skylark, and an exceedingly 

 beautiful flight it is, closely resembUng that of the heron in 



