FALCONRY.

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cannot be regarded as wholesome. However, formerly theyfrequently have received the healthy admonitions and pro-hibitory mandates of their superiors in the church, fromconsistories and councils, as of Agda, anno 506; Epaon, in517; and Macon , in 585; and probably oftener, but withlittle success. So incorrigible are their self-sufficient andupstart hearts. Here Christianity has failed of its effect.

It may be also observed, that Pietro Crescentio gives oneDaucus as the inventor of the art of taming hawks, butwithout proof, as also void of probability. He likewise says,the ancients trained up to hunting and fishing some animalswhich are not now used for those purposes, such, for in-stance, as the seal and sea-wolf. Astruc has endeavouredto confute him. It also appears to have been an opinion,sanctioned by the judgment of Rondelet, Isaac Vossius , andProfessor Beckmann, who says, he has himself seen a sealperform wonderful tricks when commanded by his master.

Falconry appears to have arisen to its greatest perfection,and to have been much in repute at the principal Europeancourts about the twelfth century. On that account, as mostof the useful arts are presumed to have had their originfrom some illustrious person, like as in China , where allthat is of utility is ascribed, according to Be Panw, to oneor other of their Emperors;—so falconry has been in Ger-many given to Frederic I. and Frederic II . Frederic I.called Barbarossa, is admitted to have been the first whocultivated falconry in modern Italy, as Pandolfo Collenuccio alleges this was a common report, which Radevicus agreesto confirm ; but his authority is, as appears, unknown. Weare likewise in the dark respecting authority, when Pancirollustells us that that Emperor invented falconry, whilst he wasbesieging Rome. It appears settled, that Rainaldo , Marquis

In order doe, magnificently thereWere pictur'd,—once effulgent as the sun;

Now like the moon obscur’d, but dimly seen.

“ Restore, O piety of modern times!

Restore them to their pride : what ancient zeal,The generous zeal of better days, bestow'd,

At least preserve, and let not ruin’s toothInsatiate, prey on pearls. Away, awayWith all that is unseemly from God 's house :Endure not there what would be nuisance deem'dWithin your own ; nor let the observant muse,Who so much all around sees fit to praise.

There only censure,—where not e’en the soundOf censure’s voice should pain the pious ear.”*#••*#**•**