When the king is represented as present, he takes no part in it, but merely drives in his chariot through the woods where the sportsmen are amusing themselves.
Persons, however, of a good position, as appears from their dress and the number of their attendants, indulged in the sport, more especially eunuchs, who were probably those of the royal household.

It is not unlikely that the special object was to supply the royal table with game.
[Illustration: PLATE 125] The Assyrians do not seem to have had much skill as fishermen.

They were unacquainted with the rod, and fished by means of a simple line thrown into the water, one end of which was held in the hand.

[PLATE CXXV., Figs.

1, 2.] No float was used, and the bait must consequently have sunk to the bottom, unless prevented from so doing by the force of the stream.