CHAPTER XI 



The Goshawk 



NO distinction was made when we were talking about hack 

 and the manning of hawks between the different species 

 to which they happen to belong. Nor is it necessary to insist 

 much upon the distinction even down to the time when they 

 have been reclaimed and are on the point of being entered. 

 But whereas all those which we have been considering are 

 " hawks of the lure," we have seen that the short-winged hawks, 

 which remain now to be dealt with, are "hawks of the fist." 

 Let us see what modifications must be made in the system of 

 training when it is the latter that we are preparing for the field. 

 In the first place, some authorities question altogether the 

 utility of hack for eyess goshawks or sparrow-hawks. Others 

 maintain that it is quite sufficient to let them loose in a shed or 

 empty room until their feathers are strong. This latter plan 

 seems a very poor sort of compromise between hack and no 

 hack. The eyesses so turned loose get no real liberty, and 

 nothing at all like the amount of exercise which they would if 

 they were in the open. Yet as compensation for what they 

 thus lose they get no advantage that one can easily understand. 

 Without pretending to decide the point in question, I may per- 

 haps venture to say that any hawk's muscles and eyes, as well 

 as her general health, are more likely to be improved by a free 

 life in the open air than in a sort of big cage. If they are not 

 hacked at all they may of course be very early made to the fist 

 and the hood, and will be manned and in flying order much 

 quicker than hack hawks. Whether this will be of advantage 

 or not, circumstances alone can decide ; but a short-winged hawk 

 can generally be allowed a fairly long hack, and yet be ready 

 for her trainer's use as soon as the latter requires her services. 

 Of course it is not safe if there are other hawks out at hack to 

 let goshawks out anywhere in the vicinity ; and I should be very 



160 



