HAWKING. 
133 
the Falcon observing, on again pouncing down, the other 
string was pulled, when the net fell over and secured him. 
He was then taken out with the greatest care, for fear of 
injuring any of his feathers, particularly those of the wings 
and tail, and a hood placed on his head, and drawn over his 
eyes. It is most likely in consequence of the persevering 
pursuit and capture of them, that this tine breed of birds is 
becoming exceedingly scarce in Iceland; a late traveller, 
during a visit of some months, not being fortunate enough 
to see one, even at a distance. 
We may form some opinion of the rapidity with which 
Hawks fly upon their prey, from the singular manner in 
which the Lanner, a small Hawk about the size of a Pigeon 
(Falco lanarius ), is often taken, or as often killed, in the 
Feroe Islands, between Iceland and the north of Scotland, 
where they are abundant, and are considered as the tyrant 
of the smaller birds. The Starlings are in such fear of it, 
that, when pursued, they will take shelter in a church, or a 
house, and often seek refuge in the presence of men. They 
often escape by what is called a wind-house, a building made 
for drying meat or fish, the sides of which consist of laths 
placed at a very small distance from each other, just wide 
enough, however, to admit the body of a Starling, through 
which, when pursued, the frightened bird contrives to slip, 
leaving the Lanner, eagerly following close behind, jammed 
quite fast between them. 
There is a Hawk called the Kingtail, or Goshawk (Falco 
palumb arias), now rare in England, though formerly plenti- 
ful, and much valued for hawking, which committed sad 
devastation amongst Partridges. Its mode of hunting was 
to beat a field, and when a covey was sprung to fly after 
them, and observe where they settled; for as it was not a 
fast flyer, the Partridges could outstrip it in speed : it then 
sprung the covey again, and after a few times the Partridges 
became so wearied that the Hawk generally succeeded in 
securing as many as it pleased. To catch it, a trap or two 
was set in its regular beat, baited with a small rabbit, or the 
stuffed skin of one ; but a surer bait, particularly in open, 
