THE FLIGHT OF A FALCON. 187 



known to travel at an average rate of 45 miles per hour, and in judging that velocity the time is taken 

 from the moment the bird is liberated until actually caught in its loft for identification. Then, it 

 must be remembered, in these trials there is a lot of lost time, for instance, when the bird is liberated. 

 it flies round for some little time taking its bearings before striking out for home ; then, after arriving, 

 there is often some delay before the Pigeon enters its loft. The accompanying sketch of the contest 

 might be of interest. The firm line represents the flight of the Pigeon, and the dotted line the flight 

 Ol the Falcon. The skin oi this Falcon can be seen at the Melbourne Museum in the collection presented 

 by Mr. H. L. White, ol Belltrees, Scone, New South Wales. Very many other similar instances have 

 come under my notice, but 1 feel sure that the one cited will serve to explode the ridiculous theory 

 mentioned above. The sam :■ author again referring to the above subject, states : " I have sometimes 

 seen Black-cheeked Falcons hunting in pairs ; but the only pigeons caught were young or sick birds. 

 The only time I ever saw a strong bird caught was when the Falcon came on it unexpectedly." This* 

 opens up another point. Some writers state that they are of the opinion that when both Falcon and 

 Pigeon are on the same horizontal plane, the Pigeon will beat the Falcon. I have frequently been 

 an eye-witness to such contests, and the Falcon has won every time. Then the question would naturally 

 arise. " For how long can the Falcon keep up this terrific speed ? " That is a query which I am afraid 

 must always remain unanswered. Then, again, other writers state that the Falcon is credited with 

 flying when it is really falling, but surely we must give the Falcon credit for being able to fly quicker 

 than it would fall. If the Falcon is descending at a greater rate of speed than it would fall, it must 

 be flying. Young Golden Eagles in England were known to train themselves for flight by 

 carrying up into the air rabbits or hares, dropping them, and recovering them long before they can 

 reach the ground. Finally, I venture to say all my experiences tend to confirm me in the opinion 

 that a Black-cheeked Falcon in pursuit of its prey, no matter at what angle, is the fastest living creature 

 on wings in Australia. 



