A favorite form of hunting, especially with ladies, was the pursuit of herons by trained falcons. The hunting-party was mounted, and accom panied by falconers on foot carrying the falcons, whose heads were hood ed. When the prey was sighted the hood was removed and the falcon set free. It at once rose in pursuit, and the mid-air battle which ensued gen erally ended in its victory. This form of sport died out on account of the scarcity of herons which resulted from its pursuit. When it was pro posed to obtain large supplies of game as stores for kitchen and pantry, certain portions of woods were surrounded with nets, into which the prey was driven, and then killed (fig.
The eighteenth century made the chase the means of gratifying a bar barous taste for blood. Nothing more plainly shows the real brutality of the higher classes, notwithstanding their brilliant state, than their methods of hunting. We speak only of the higher clas'ses, for the mid dle classes were developing a genuine refinement of thought and senti ment. A number of deer, fawn, etc. were driven into an enclosure, or, to make the sport more piquant, into a lake, and then shot down from a secure gallery by these noble hunters. In the stag-hunt the animal was pursued with horses until it sank exhausted, an easy prey to its pursuers.
The so-called " fox-baiting" was revolting in the extreme. That no one in that age raised his voice against it was perhaps due to the fact that the different classes lived apart and one scarcely knew how the others lived. A number of small animals, such as foxes, badgers, martens, weasels, etc., were let loose in an enclosed place (generally the courtyard of the castle). Dogs were set upon them, while the hunters held loose bags, into which finally the wretched creatures ran for safety. They were then tossed in the air and knocked about until killed. Such sport was wit nessed and applauded by gentlemen and noble ladies looking on from the balconies of the castle.
Social intercourse.—The interchange of social visits formed an agree able interruption to the monotony of life. During the Middle Ages, means of communication being rare and the relations of near neighbors usually hostile, visitors generally arrived without previous announcement. When a party approached the drawbridge of the castle, the fact was pro claimed to the inmates by the warden of the tower. The strangers halted
at the gate without dismounting until assured of reception. Their rank and dignity decided how far the master of the castle should advance to meet them. Haying entered the yard, their horses were taken in charge by servants, and they themselves, after the first salutation, were con ducted to the guest-chamber. Refreshments, which always included wine or mead, were there served to them. The guests and host met again at the mid-day meal, which was eaten at about eleven o'clock, or at the evening meal, when conversation was unrestrained and the cup circulated freely. The women retired early, but the men often remained together until late at night. When life was younger and the affections fresher, the leavetaking was even more ceremonious than the reception, and the parting or "stirrup cup" was no more wanting than the cup of welcome.
Royal Receptions.—The visits of princes were always the occasion of great festivities, such as balls, tournaments, ring-tilting, fireworks, and dramatic performances, of all of which we shall hereafter speak (p. 296 sq.) at greater length. When the emperor visited a city lie was received with great pomp. The burgomaster and council met him at some distance outside the gates; a canopy was borne over him; the procession passed through open lines of the civic guards, guilds, etc. to his palace if he had a private palace there (as was the case in Nuremberg), or to the house of the rich patrician where he was to lodge.
A similar reception was given to foreign princes if the city sought their favor. Treaties of peace were often cemented by a mutual inter change of invitations. In any case, wine, food for the horses, in Lent fish, and, when greater honors were intended, a golden cup filled with ducats, were presented to the guests. The ladies of the prince's house hold, if present, and the chief officials, if their services were sought, also expected presents. These honoraria, which are found carefully recorded in the archives of every city, constituted no small item of expense to places that were frequently visited. The patricians often politely retal iated by inviting their expensive guests to weddings or to be godfathers, etc., thus obliging them to show their gratitude by making presents in return.