[475] Ishtihā dādan.
[476] The Egyptian vulture is frequently found sitting on the ground and will let a horseman or footman approach within a few feet. It rises slowly, and as it does not shift from the stoop it is at once taken. It does not seem to have any means of defence—except its odour.
[477] Of course on other flesh.
[478] On page 31 the būq-k͟hura is described as an eagle always found on marshes and reed beds. It eats frogs, dead fish, etc., and occasionally a wounded duck.
[479] This should be done stealthily at the time the chicken is substituted, or after the hawk has been re-hooded; for the hawk must be induced to believe that it has eaten the quarry it captured. With a thoroughly-made hawk no great stealth need be observed.
[480] Rihā kardan, “to release.” The author uses this word to signify setting free a train secretly while the hawk is still hooded. Vide note [467], page 111.
[481] The “train” should not be allowed to get ragged. It should each time be given a longer start. If it settles on the ground, it should be allowed to look about it till it regains heart and takes wing of its own accord. It is also well to go to a different spot each time.
[482] Apparently the black eagle described on page 31.
[483] Māhūr, any up and down ground.
[484] Sīna-yi qara-qūsh rā bi-bād bi-dih, “give the eagle’s breast to the wind”; the author’s meaning is not quite clear. Presumably the eagle would be sitting with its breast to the wind.