In flying quarry on the plain.
The harrier is an ill-tempered bird with no great powers of flight. To train it is a matter of extreme difficulty, and the result by no means repays the labour. However, give the devil his due: it is very long-winded.
FOOTNOTES:
[105] Dasht-māla may be translated “desert-quarterer.” In the Panjab this is the name of the Pale Harrier (Circus Swainsonii) and probably also of Montague’s Harrier (Circus cineraceus).
[106] In the young of the Marsh Harrier, the iris is hazel. The iris of the female of Montague’s Harrier is also said to be hazel.
[107] “‘Tiercel, Tercel, Tassel’ (Shakespeare) and ‘Tarsell’ (Bert), the male of any species of hawk, the female being termed a falcon. The tiercel is said by some to be so called from being about one-third smaller in size than the falcon; by others it is derived from the old belief that each nest contained three young birds, of which two were females and the third and smallest a male. Note the familiar line in Romeo and Juliet: ‘Oh! for a falconer’s voice to lure this tassel gentle back again.’”—Harting.
[108] It is not clear which of the two species the author trained, but apparently the “black-eyed.”
[109] “Reclaim;” Fr. réclamer, to make a hawk tame, gentle and familiar.—Harting.
[110] Durrāj; the Common Francolin (F. vulgaris). It is a favourite cage-bird in India, especially with the Muhammadans, who liken its call to the words Subhān Teri Qudrat “Oh Lord! Thy Power” (i.e., who can fathom it?). The practical Hindus say its call is, Chha ser kī kacharī, “Twelve pounds of kacharī.”
[111] Yalva is a name incorrectly applied to several species of bird with long beaks, as the woodcock and snipe, etc. I am told that in Teheran it is applied to a rail.