Observations on Modern Falconry

Fine hardcover. Reprint of R. Steven's mid-century classic.

Ronald Stevens was one of the most proficient and respected falconers of the twentieth century. In no way a "how-to" book, its contents are well described by its title. As state in his Foreword, these are reflections on various aspects of the sport based on some thirty seasons afield as considered by a very thoughtful practitioner. When he wrote this book his "observations" were largely overlooked, perhaps due to the book's unimposing and unillustrated format. However, with the passage of time, the work has gained a devoted following and is now widely regarded as a modern classic. Among other things, it contains some of the most insightful writing on the subject of hooding.

From the foreword:

There are quite a number of modern books on Falconry, written within the last hundred years, so I feel a little diffident in adding yet another one. Their authors write all that is necessary to put the beginner on the right road, so it would seem that there is nothing more to add. Nevertheless, I daresay that most falconers find much to puzzle over and much to widen their interest as they progress. It is on such matters of which much of the substance is not found on the beaten track of text-book Falconry, that I have attempted to write. I have written this book not because of any wish to be controversial, but simply because anyone who has practised Falconry for as long as I have may be excused for writing his conclusions. No mistaken sense of duty has driven me to it, only the sheer pleasure of writing about a sport that has so completely captivated me.

Contents Include: The Mews - Weathering Enclosure, Bath, Blocks - Bells, Jesses, Clip Swivels, Lures, Hoods, Whistle - Hack Hut and Hack Ground - Eyasses, Treatment before Hack - Hack, its Advantages and Disadvantages - Eyasses compared with Passgers and Haggards - Food - Hooding and Manning - Taming - Flying to Lure and Use of the Lure - Hawking - Homing - The Moult - Health - Miscellany - The Gyrfalcon