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IT is now foure yeeres past (gentle Rea∣der) since importu∣ned by some of my speciall friends, J tooke vpon me in sa∣tisfaction of their earnest request, to write my first Booke of the Haggart Falcon Gentle; for which they then shewed me many lykelyhoods and reasons how much the same might profit; and how well of diuers sorts of people, especially of yong men and learners, the
labour might be accepted. Neuerthelesse, by aduertisement of the Printers, and also through the report of others, I haue vnder∣stood the contrarie; and that being but as it were a booke in particular, treating of on Hawke, it was refused and slightly accoun∣ted of by many; whose wils and affections were formerly fixed on other subiects. For which cause I haue here, although vnskillfully and vnwisely, vndertaken a course quite con∣trarie to my owne disposition, and altogether disagreeing with my former will and affecti∣on; as vnto things for the most part of little or no deseruing, to prescribe rules of Art, words of praise and commendation. Yet on the former considerations, as also at the ear∣nest sute and reimportunitie of my friends, I doe intend to perseuere in my purpose, and in a short Treatise once againe to lay downe a Hawke, not as the onely subiect of my pro∣fessed Art, but a worke of my deuice. And the Goshawke is shee, the which I am determi∣ned to speake of, with shew and declaration of her properties and nature; and generally of all such other Hawks as were omitted, and are
amongst vs ordinary at this present day, name∣ly, the Tassell of the Goshawke, the Spar∣hawke, and her excellent properties; the Lan∣ner, and Lanneret, as they are deuided in their kindes, the Hobby, and the marlin; the one belonging to the yong man; the other pertaining to the Ladie. But first, I purpose to begin with the Ostringer him selfe, and with his Hawke as shee is wilde, compared with o∣ther fowles of the ayre; and of their naturall awe they haue of the man, and fearfulnesse a∣boue all other creatures. Secondly, of the Spa∣nyell, and the societie there ought to bee be∣tweene the man, the Hawke, and him selfe. Thirdly, with directions to the Ostringer, and instructions to the nouice. Fourthly, of the difference in the manner of flying of the Goshawke compared with the longwinged Hawke, which the Ostringer ought to obserue. Fiftly, of the Goshawke, compa∣red to the Lanner, for her soundnesse and long lasting; the which dependeth vpon the well or∣dering and gouerning of her keeper. And last∣ly, how the best and skilfullest Ostringer
ought to ioyne both care and continuall attendance with his best skill and know∣ledge, to preserue his Hawkes health and life withall.