122 
HAWKS AND FALCONS. 
The beak of an Eagle is comparatively long, terminating in a 
hook ; whereas, that of the Falcon or Hawk tribe is short, 
and begins to bend from its base. In an Eagle, the first, 
second, and third feathers of the wing are shorter than the 
fourth and fifth : whereas, in the common Hawk the second 
Beak of Eagle Falcon, ox Hawk Trike 
feather is the longest, and the first and third of equal length; 
but in the true Falcon, the first feather is the longest. There 
may be some exceptions to the strict letter of this rule, but 
generally speaking, it is sufficiently correct for practical pur- 
poses. Owing to the greater docility of several of the Hawk 
and Falcon species, they have been made useful to mankind 
by being trained to catch game of various sorts ; and accord- 
ingly people of all nations, from very early days, have taken 
pains in rearing and training them. Above two thousand 
years ago, ancient writers speak of hawking as a common 
sport. People used to go out into the marshy grounds, and 
beat amongst the reeds and bushes for small birds which har- 
boured there ; and as they flew away, Hawks were let loose 
in pursuit, and when the game fell to the ground, either 
through fright, or struck by the Hawks, the men ran up and 
secured them. Others were so well taught, that they not 
only returned to their owners when called, but brought what- 
ever they might have captured in their flight. Some North 
American Indians understand the art of taming these birds, 
and are equally fond of the sport ; but it has been remarked, 
