The Arkansaw traveler., 1888-09-08
A RARE PRESENT.
Little Rock GaIet,N

0ANs kls AS OOWC& WAA NAAN hV&ANtNhN yesterday of gift of rare value, which came all the way from Paris and has the following history; Two or thrce years ago . gentleman from Paris while on visit to this country and looking into some affairs of his coUn- trymen, had some important business with Mir, Jones as city clerk. It re- Quired several days to look over the many records and papers, and in their "hours of idleness" the two gentlemen would relate their hunting experl- ences, the subject being ono that would touch responsive cords In the hearts of the two ardent nimrods. The foreigner related many of hls experi- ences in different countries, but tho subject that interested tho American most was that of Alconry, as prAo- ticed In the orient at tho present time. When the gentleman had finished his mission in this city and was about to depart Mir. Jones replied to a request for tho amount Q! his charges that the pleasure he had derived from associa. tion with the gentleman had amply paid him for all his trouble, "but," he added as Anal farewell, "if you ever come across one of them falcons send him to me; want one of them," the latter being said joklngly, as Mir. Jones we'll knew the rarity and value of such birds.
 Yesterday morning while the city clerk was busy looking over some of his records, the congressman walked into his office having In charge poe culiar looking cage containing bird resembling very much our chicken hawk. When told that tho bird was for him MT. Jonca was dumbioundcl, and for few minutes was reminded Of Poc's "Raven," as the bird seemed 10 say; "llere am" instead of "never more."
 Accompanying the cage was hugo envelope containing more than forty different stamps, lndoraements, etc, which, being opened and "contents noted," revealed to the sstoniahcd clerk the fact that he was the pos sessor of the only rcal live, we'll trained hunting falcon on this contl- nent,
 The bird and tho letter was from this long forgotten ParisIAn friend and contained the story of how hc cano to possess such a rare bird, telling of It's accomplishments and giving dlroc- tions how to hunt with him.
 The falcon'a name Is pontius Pilatc. and he seems to understand it as we'll as child ten years old, coming when called and returning with what he is sent for.
 The following extract from the let ter of the donor of the priceless prize will give to our readers some idea of the achievements of Mir. Jones' pet:
 "iIc will eat any kind of fresh fowl or meat but much prefers tid- bits such as hearts, flyers, kidneys, etc. After you have kept him In one place for a few days and led him there, you may release him from his cage and he will never remain away from his home. 1 fed him twice . day, mornings and evenings. When you feed him speak to him so that he may learn your voice, and when he does you will have absolute control of him. He knows all about a gun, too. at at least that it is connected in some way with refreshments, for when you hunt with gun he will find your birds and retrieve the dead ones as ef. 6ciently as any dog you ever saw. He has followed me through the woods, flying from tree to tree, and when not in the vicinity Of game would keep up 6 continual conversation, all of which could not understand, but caught enough to know that he pre- ferred a dove or quail to tougher morsels. He will come to you from any distance, and when started for game will seldom return empty handed, or "footed, ," as he carries the game with his feet.
 "He and my little boy, now five years old, played together all spring and early summer, the falcon follow ing the boy all over the place. The boy would talk to him, and he would answer hack as if he understood every word. It was pretty sight, and they well. There is a small tree near the corner of my porch, and ! have known my baby to call Pontius after dusk, and when he had retired for the night in larger tree, and have him sleep In s smaller tree to be nearer him, tho Baby Audley sleeping by an open window just inside the room nearest the tree.
 "Iis Is as vigilant and faithful as any watchdog, and in addition to his hunt ing qualities will guard you and your family day and night, ard fl necessary die in your defsnse. When hunting 1t Is only necessary to show him the birds you want, and he will bring them in every time. He will also