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HAWKS AND FALCONS. 
that of the Falcon or Hawk tribe is short, and 
begins to bend from its base. In an Eagle, the first, 
BEAK OF THE FALCON OR IIAWK TRIBE. 
second, and third feathers of the wing are shorter 
than the fourth and fifth ; whereas, in the common 
Hawk, the second 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 purposes. 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, accordingly, people 
of all nations, from very early days, have taken 
pains in rearing and training them. Above 2000 
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 harboured 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 
