GAME-HAWKING 127 



watching with contemptuous eye movements which are clownish 

 and undignified as compared with their own in the air. But 

 the real triumph will come when they have all been out for a 

 day together ; when, with Ponto standing at the point, Stella 

 has glittered high above him in the sunshine, circling grace- 

 fully with expectant eye turned down ; when Ponto, down- 

 charging humbly, has seen the lightning-like stoop a hundred 

 yards ahead ; when the partridge, shifting cleverly, has put in 

 to a hedge ; and when Pompey the retriever, tugging at his 

 leash, has been led up to the spot and has enjoyed the felicity 

 of putting out that same partridge for Stella to finish off with 

 another dash from the sky. Then it will be a pretty sight, if 

 you have time to enjoy it, to see the hawk, with the pride of 

 victory in her eyes, pluming the dead quarry on the ground, 

 while the two dogs, stretched at length close by, look on 

 contentedly, conscious that part of the credit for the whole 

 performance is due to them. 



Even if there are no dogs, the falconer must have a watchful 

 eye on his company in the field, especially if it includes new 

 hands at the now unfashionable sport. These must be warned 

 mildly, or it may be reminded sharply, to maintain that repose 

 of demeanour which befits the sport of kings. To keep still as 

 the falcon mounts is quite as essential as to press on when she 

 has got to her pitch. If a kill occurs it is lawful enough to 

 join in the death-cry, but not to hurry up. Such ill-timed zeal 

 might cause an infinity of mischief, and even, in the case of 

 a falcon or ger, the loss of her then and there. Everyone 

 present should stop fifty or more yards from the fatal spot, 

 except the one man who is authorised to take her up ; and while 

 he makes in, no noise or violent movement should disturb the 

 solemn scene. Cigars may be lighted, and the incidents of the 

 flight may be discussed ; but it is only when the falconer, rising 

 from his knees with the victor on his glove, gives the signal to 

 come on, that curiosity may be gratified by a good look at 

 the vanquished. 



There is some variety in the mode employed by hawks in 

 taking game. In rook-hawking they all " bind " to the quarry, 

 that is, they clutch it in the air, and retain their hold as they 

 come down to earth. I think I am right in saying that when a 

 hawk strikes and does not hold a rook, it is almost always 

 either accidentally or because her talon has not held fast. 

 Many peregrines — perhaps all eyesses — begin by binding to 

 grouse and partridges. But the tremendous speed of the 

 stoop in game-hawking often carries the stooper so fast up to 



