6 HUFFED BUSTARD. 



Falcons is considered sufficient employment for one 

 falconer with an assistant; and on the march one or 

 two of these important personages follow, mounted 

 immediately behind the Sheik, with a hooded Falcon 

 on the wrist, and one perched on each shoulder. The 

 Houbara Bustard is the favourite quarry; but Eagles, 

 Kites, Sand Grouse, (and in the case of the Saker 

 Falcon, the gazelle,) afford equal sport to the 

 huntsman. 



"When a Bustard is descried, the whole cavalcade 

 instantly halt; the Hawk on the wrist is transferred to 

 the hand of his master, who, attended by his falconers 

 alone, instantly sets off, and unhooding his bird, throws 

 him from his wrist towards the Bustard. Much skill 

 is exercised in drawing the attention of the Falcon to 

 the Bustard before it rises. Should it unfortunately 

 take wing before its pursuer has poised herself above 

 it, an ill-trained or impetuous bird is very apt to strike 

 it in the air. This, according to the view of your 

 desert connoisseur, is a most unpardonable and un- 

 sportsman-like offence, to be punished Avith death. A 

 skilful Hawk will at once rise to a considerable height, 

 thence swooping down, make feints until the Bustard 

 takes to its legs instead of its wings. The Falcon then 

 poises herself over it, while a second is flung off the 

 wrist, and the two together give chase, the speed of 

 the Houbara being such that a fleet Arab can scarcely 

 keep up with the pursuit. 



"The poor bird runs along, aiding its speed by a 

 perpetual fanning with its wings, its head stretched 

 forward like a Corncrake's, and its conspicuous black 

 and white ruff folded closely back over its neck — a 

 pitiable contrast to the proud fellow who was lately 

 strutting with head erect, elevated crest, and expanded 



