art of taking birds or wild-fowl, whether for food, for the pleasure of their song, or for their destruction as pernicious to the husbandman, &c. The methods are by bird-lime, nets, decoys, &c. See Bird-Lime, infra; and Decoy.

In the suburbs of London (and particularly about Shoreditch) are several weavers and other tradesmen, who, who, during the months of October and March, get their livelihood by an ingenious, and, we may say, a scientific, method of bird catching, which is totally unknown in other parts of Great Britain. The reason of this trade being confined to so small a compass, arises from their being no considerable sale for ringing-birds except in the metropolis; as the apparatus for this purpose is also heavy, and at the same time must be carried on a man's back, it prevents the bird-catchers going to above three or four miles distance.

This method of bird-catching must have been long practised, as it is brought to a most systematical perfection, and is attended with a very considerable expense.

The nets are a most ingenious piece of mechanism; are generally twelve yards and a half long, and two yards and a half wide; and no one, on bare inspection, would imagine that a bird (who is so very quick in all its motions) could be caught by the nets flapping over each other, till he becomes eye-witness of the pullers seldom failing.

The wild birds fly (as the bird-catchers term it) chiefly during the month of October, and part of September and November; as the flight in March is much less considerable than that of Michaelmas. It is to be noted also, that the several species of birds of flight do not make their appearance precisely at the same time, during the months of September, October, and November. The pippet (a), for example, begins to fly about Michaelmas; and then the woodlark, linnet, goldfinch, chaffinch, greenfinch, and other birds of flight succeed; all of which are not easily to be caught, or in any numbers, at any other time, and more particularly the pippet and the woodlark.

These birds, during the Michaelmas and March flights, are chiefly on the wing from day-break to noon, though there is afterwards a small flight from two till night; but this however is so inconsiderable, that the bird-catchers always take up their nets at noon.

It may well deserve the attention of the naturalist whence these periodical flights of certain birds can arise. As the ground, however, is ploughed during the months of October and March for sowing the winter and lent corn, it should seem that they are thus supplied with a great profusion both of seeds and insects, which they cannot so easily procure at any other season.

It may not be improper to mention another circumstance, to be observed during their flighting, viz., that they fly always against the wind; hence there is great contention amongst the bird-catchers who shall gain that point; if (for example) it is westerly, the bird-catcher who lays his nets most to the east, is sure almost of catching every thing, provided his call-birds are good: a gentle wind to the south-west generally produces the best sport.

The bird-catcher, who is a substantial man, and hath a proper apparatus for this purpose, generally carries with him five or six linnets, (of which more are caught than any ringing bird), two gold-finches, two green-finches, one wood-lark, one red-poll, a yellowhammer, tit-lark, and aberdavine, and perhaps a bullfinch; these are placed at small distances from the nets in little cages. He hath, besides, what are called flour-birds, which are placed within the nets, are raised upon the flour (b) and gently let down at the time the wild bird approaches them. These generally consist of the linnet, the gold-finch, and the green-finch, which are secured to the flour by what is called a brace (c); a contrivance that secures the birds without doing any injury to their plumage.

It having been found that there is a superiority between bird and bird, from the one being more in song than the other; the bird-catchers contrive that their call-birds should moult before the usual time. They therefore, in June or July, put them into a close box under two or three folds of blankets, and leave their dung in the cage to raise a greater heat; in which state they continue, being perhaps examined but once a week to have fresh water. As for food, the air is so putrid, that they eat little during the whole state of confinement, which lasts about a month. The birds frequently die under the operation; and hence the value of a stopped bird rises greatly. When the bird hath thus prematurely moulted, he is in song whilst the wild birds are out of song, and his note is louder and more piercing than that of a wild one; but it is not only in his note he receives an alteration, the plumage is equally improved. The black and yellow in the wings of the gold-finch, for example, become deeper and more vivid, together with a most beautiful glost, which is not to be seen in the wild bird. The bill, which in the latter is likewise black at the end, in the stopped-bird becomes white and more taper, as do its legs: in short, there is as much difference between a wild and a stopped-bird, as there is between a horse which is kept in body-clothes and one at grass.

When the bird-catcher hath laid his nets, he dispenses of his call-birds at proper intervals. It must be owned, that there is a most malicious joy in these call-birds to bring the wild ones into the same state of captivity; which may likewise be observed with regard to the decoy-ducks. See Decoy.

Their sight and hearing infinitely excels that of the bird-catcher. The instant that the (d) wild birds are perceived, notice is given by one to the rest of the call-birds, (as it is by the first hound that hits on the scent to the rest of the pack); after which, follows the same fort of tumultuous ecstasy and joy. The call-birds,

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(a) A small species of lark, but which is inferior to other birds of that genus in point of song. (b) A moveable perch to which the bird is tied, and which the bird-catcher can raise at pleasure by means of a long string fastened to it. (c) A sort of bandage, formed of a slender silk string that is fastened round the bird's body, and under the wings, in so artful a manner as to hinder the bird from being hurt, let it flutter ever so much in the raising. (d) It may be also observed, that the moment they see a hawk, they communicate the alarm to each other by a plaintive note; nor will they then jerk or call though the wild birds are near. while the bird is at a distance, do not sing as a bird does in a chamber; they invite the wild ones by what the bird-catchers call short jerks, which, when the birds are good, may be heard at a great distance. The ascendency by this call or invitation is so great, that the wild bird is stopped in its course of flight; and, if not already acquainted with the nets (v), lights boldly within 20 yards of perhaps three or four bird-catchers, on a spot which otherwise it would not have taken the least notice of. Nay, it frequently happens, that if half a flock only are caught, the remaining half will immediately afterwards light in the nets, and share the same fate; and should only one bird escape, that bird will suffer itself to be pulled at till it is caught; such a fascinating power have the call-birds.

While we are on this subject of the jerking of birds we cannot omit mentioning, that the bird-catchers frequently lay considerable wagers whose call-bird can jerk the longest, as that determines the superiority. They place them opposite to each other, by an inch of candle; and the bird who jerks the oftener, before the candle is burnt out, wins the wager. We have been informed, that there have been instances of a bird’s giving 170 jerks in a quarter of an hour; and we have known a linnet, in such a trial, persevere in its emulation till it swooned from the perch; thus, as Pliny says of the nightingale, *vieta morte finit sapa vitam, spiritu prius deficiente quam cantu*. It may be here observed, that birds when near each other, and in fight, seldom jerk or sing. They either fight, or use short and wheeling calls; the jerking of these call-birds, therefore, face to face, is a most extraordinary instance of contention for superiority in long.

To these we may add a few particulars that fell within our notice during our inquiries among the bird-catchers; such as, that they immediately kill the hens of every species of birds they take, being incapable of singing, as also being inferior in plumage; the pippets likewise are indiscriminately destroyed, as the cock does not sing well: they sell the dead birds for three-pence or fourpence a dozen. These small birds are so good, that we are surprised the luxury of the age neglects so delicate an acquisition to the table. The modern Italians are fond of small birds, which they eat under the common name of *beccaficos*; and the dear rate a Roman tragedian paid for one dish of singing birds is well known; (see the article *Æsop*).

Another particular we learned, in conversation with a London bird-catcher, was the vast price that is sometimes given for a single song-bird, which had not learned to whistle tunes. The greatest sum we heard of, was five guineas for a chaffinch, that had a particular and uncommon note, under which it was intended to train others, and we also heard of five pounds ten shillings being given for a call-bird linnet.

A third singular circumstance, which confirms an observation of Linnæus, is, that the male chaffinches fly by themselves, and in the flight precede the females; but this is not peculiar to the chaffinches. When the tit-larks are caught in the beginning of the season, it frequently happens, that forty are taken and not one female among them: and probably the same would be observed with regard to other birds (as has been done with relation to the wheat-ear), if they were attended to. An experienced and intelligent bird-catcher informed us, that such birds as breed twice a year, generally have in their first brood a majority of males, and in their second, of females, which may in part account for the above observation.

We must not omit mention of the bullfinch, though it does not properly come under the title of a singing-bird, or a bird of flight, as it does not often move farther than from hedge to hedge; yet, as the bird fells well on account of its learning to whistle tunes, and sometimes flies over the fields where the nets are laid, the bird-catchers have often a call-bird to enliven it, though most of them can imitate the call with their mouths. It is remarkable with regard to this bird, that the female answers the purpose of a call-bird as well as the male, which is not experienced in any other bird taken by the London bird-catchers.

The nightingale is not a bird of flight, in the sense the bird-catchers use this term. Like the robin, wren, and many other singing birds, it only moves from hedge to hedge, and does not take the periodical flights in October and March. The persons who catch these birds, make use of small trap-nets, without call-birds; and are considered as inferior in dignity to other bird-catchers who will not rank with them. The arrival of the nightingale is expected by the trappers in the neighbourhood of London, the first week in April: at the beginning, none but cocks are taken; but in a few days the hens make their appearance, generally by themselves, though sometimes a few males come along with them. The latter are distinguished from the females not only by their superior size, but by a great swelling of their vent, which commences on the first arrival of the hens. They are caught in a net-trap, the bottom of which is surrounded with an iron ring; the net itself is rather larger than a cabbage net. When the trappers hear or see them, they throw some fresh mould under the place, and beat the trap with a mealworm from the baker’s shop. Ten or a dozen nightingales have been thus caught in a day.

The common way of taking larks, of which so many are used at our tables (see *Alauda*), is in the night, with those nets which are called *trammels*. These are usually made of 36 yards in length, and about five yards over, with six ribs of pack-thread, which at the ends are put upon two poles of about 16 feet long, and made lesser at each end. These are to be drawn over the ground by two men, and every five or six steps the net is made to touch the ground, otherwise it will pass over the birds without touching them, and they will escape. When they are felt to fly up against the net, it is clapped down, and then all are safe that are under it. The darkest nights are propitious for this sport; and the net will not only take larks, but all other birds that roost on the ground; among which are woodcocks, snipes, partridges, quails, field-fares, and several others. In the depth of winter people sometimes take great numbers of larks by nooses of horsetail. The method

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(e) A bird, acquainted with the nets, is by the bird-catchers termed a *sharpener*; which they endeavour to drive away, as they can have no sport whilst it continues near them. is this: Take 100 or 200 yards of packthread; fasten at every six inches a noose made of double horse-hair; at every 20 yards the line is to be pegged down to the ground, and so left ready to take them. The time to use this is when the ground is covered with snow, and the larks are to be allured to it by some white oats scattered all the way among the nooses. They must be taken away as soon as three or four are hung; otherwise the rest will be frightened; but though the others are scared away just where the sportsman comes, they will be feeding at the other end of the line, and the sport may be thus continued for a long time.—Those caught in the day are taken in clap-nets of fifteen yards length, and two and a half in breadth; and are enticed within their reach by means of bits of looking-glass, fixed in a piece of wood, and placed in the middle of the nets, which are put in a quick whirling motion by a string the lark commands; he also makes use of a decoy-lark. These nets are used only till the 14th November; for the larks will not dare, or frolic in the air, except in fine sunny weather; and of course cannot be inveigled into the snare. When the weather grows gloomy, the lark changes his engine, and makes use of a trammel net, twenty-seven or twenty-eight feet long, and five broad; which is put on two poles, eighteen feet long, and carried by men under each arm, who pass over the fields and quarter the ground as a setting dog; when they hear or feel a lark hit the net, they drop it down, and so the birds are taken.

Multitudes of the inhabitants of each cluster of the Orkney Isles feed during the season on the eggs of the birds of the cliffs. The method of taking them is so very hazardous, as to satisfy one of the extremity to which the poor people are driven for want of food. Copinska, Hunda, Hoy, Foula, and Nolt-head, are the most celebrated rocks; and the neighbouring natives the most expert climbers and adventurers after the game of the precipice. The height of some is above fifty fathoms; their faces roughened with shelves or ledges sufficient only for the birds to rest and lay their eggs. To these the dauntless fowlers will ascend, pass intrepidly from the one to the other, collect the eggs and birds, and descend with the same indifference. In most places the attempt is made from above; they are lowered from the slope contiguous to the brink, by a rope, sometimes made of straw, sometimes of the brittle of the hog; they prefer the last even to ropes of hemp, as it is not liable to be cut by the sharp edges of the rocks; the former is apt to untwist. They trust themselves to a single assistant, who lets his companion down, and holds the rope, depending on his strength alone; which often fails, and the adventurer is sure to be dashed to pieces, or drowned in the subjacent sea. The rope is often shifted from place to place, with the impending weight of the fowler and his booty. The person above receives signals for the purpose, his associate being far out of sight; who, during the operation, by help of a staff, springs from the face of the rocks, to avoid injury from the projecting parts.

But the most singular species of bird-catching is on the holm of Nolt, a vast rock severed from the isle of Nolt by some unknown convulsion, and only about fifteen fathoms distant. It is of the same stupendous height as the opposite precipice, with a raging sea between; so that the intervening chasm is of matchless horror. Some adventurous climber has reached the rock in a boat, gained the height, and fastened several stakes on the small portion of earth which is to be found on the top; correspondent stakes are placed on the edge of the correspondent cliffs. A rope is fixed to the stakes on both sides, along which a machine, called a cradle, is contrived to slide; and, by the help of a small parallel chord fastened in like manner, the adventurer wafts himself over, and returns with his booty.

The manner of bird-catching (see Pl. XCVII. fig. 7.) in the Feroe islands is so very strange and hazardous, that the description should by no means be omitted. Necessity compels mankind to wonderful attempts. The cliffs which contain the objects of their search are often two hundred fathoms in height, and are attempted from above and below. In the first case, the fowlers provide themselves with a rope 80 or 100 fathoms in length. The fowler fastens one end about his waist and between his legs, recommends himself to the protection of the Almighty, and is lowered down by six others, who place a piece of timber on the margin of the rock, to preserve the rope from wearing against the sharp edge. They have besides a small line fastened to the body of the adventurer, by which he gives signals that they may lower or raise him, or lift him from place to place. The last operation is attended with great danger, by the loosening of the stones, which often fall on his head, and would infallibly destroy him, was it not protected by a strong thick cap; but even that is found unequal to save him against the weight of the larger fragments of rock. The dexterity of the fowlers is amazing; they will place their feet against the front of the precipice, and dart themselves some fathoms from it, with a cool eye survey the places where the birds nestle, and again shoot into their haunts. In some places the birds lodge in deep recesses. The fowler will alight there, disengage himself from the rope, fix it to a stone, and at his leisure collect the booty, fasten it to his girdle, and resume his pendulous seat. At times he will again spring from the rock, and in that attitude, with a fowling-net placed at the end of a staff, catch the old birds which are flying to and from their retreats. When he hath finished his dreadful employ, he gives a signal to his friends above, who pull him up, and share the hard-earned profit. The feathers are preserved for exportation: the flesh is partly eaten fresh, but the greater portion dried for winter's provision.

The fowling from below has its share of danger. The party goes on the expedition in a boat; and when it has attained the base of the precipice, one of the most daring, having fastened a rope about his waist, and furnished himself with a long pole with an iron hook at one end, either climbs or is thrust up by his companions, who place a pole under his breech, to the next footing spot he can reach. He, by means of the rope, brings up one of the boat's crew; the rest are drawn up in the same manner, and each is furnished with his rope and fowling-staff. They then continue their progress upwards in the same manner, till they arrive at the region of birds; and wander about the face of the cliff in search of them. They then act in pairs; one fastens himself to the end of his associate's rope, and, in places where birds have nestled beneath his footing, he permits himself to be lowered down, depending for his security on the strength of his companion, who has to haul him up again; but it sometimes happens that the person above is overpowered by the weight, and both inevitably perish. They fling the fowl into the boat, which attends their motions, and receive the booty. They often pass seven or eight days in this tremendous employ, and lodge in the crannies which they find in the face of the precipice.

In some remote parts of Russia there is practised a singular invention for taking great quantities of gelinottes or grouse. They choose the most open places in the birch woods; and there they plant long forks in the earth opposite the larger trees. On these forks is laid a horizontal stick, gallows-wise, to which are tied small bundles of ears of corn. At a small distance from this part of the contrivance, is a kind of large funnel or inverted cone, made with long birch twigs, thin and flexible, the lower extremities of which are stuck in the earth, very near to one another; but by spreading towards the top, forms there an opening of above a yard in diameter. In this opening is placed a wheel made of two circles that intersect each other, and are surrounded with straw and ears of corn. This wheel turns on an axis fastened to the sides of the funnel in such a manner, that there is room enough between the sticks of the cone and the circles to admit of the wheel's turning freely about. The birds first perch upon the transverse stick near the tree; and when they have a mind to fall upon the corn tied to the wheel, they must necessarily stand upon one of the projecting parts of the circles of which it is composed. At that instant the wheel turns, and the gelinotte falls, head foremost, to the bottom of the trap, which is there so constructed that he cannot get out. They sometimes find the machine half full of gelinottes.

The following method of netting or catching of wild pigeons is eagerly pursued as a diversion in different parts of Italy, particularly by the inhabitants of Cava in the Hither Principato, and is thus described by Mr Swinburne. The people "assemble in parties; and if any stranger chances to stray to their rendezvous, give him a most cordial welcome. I am not in the least surprised (says Mr Swinburne) at their passionate fondness for this sport, as I found it extremely bewitching, keeping the attention constantly alive, and the springs of the mind pleasantly agitated by expectation; the situations where the toils are spread are incomparably beautiful, the air is pure and balsamic, and every thing around breathes health and satisfaction. When the periodical flights of flock-doves return from the northern and western parts of Europe to gain warmer regions for their winter abode, the fowler repairs to the mountain and spreads his nets across the intermediate hollows, the passes through which the birds direct their course, to avoid unnecessary elevation in their flight. These nets are hung upon a row of large trees planted for the purpose. The branches being very thick and close at top, and the bole lofty and bare, a great opening is left below for the toils, which reach to the ground; and by means of pulleys, fall in a heap with the least effort. Sometimes they are extended upon poles that exceed the height of the trees. At a small distance is a lofty circular turret, like a column with a little capital or cap, upon which a man is stationed to watch the approach of the game. As he commands a free view over all the country, and practice has made his sight as acute as that of the lynx, he delcires the birds at a wonderful distance. The doves advance with great velocity; but the alert watchman is prepared for them; and just as they approach his post, hurl a stone above them with a sling: upon this the whole flock, whose fears have birds of prey for their great object, supposing the stone to be an enemy of that kind ready to pounce them, dart down like lightning to avoid the blow by passing under the trees; but there they rush into the jaws of death, by dashing against the net, which instantly drops and entangles them that not one of them can escape the active hands of the fowler. These birds are sometimes taken by dozens at one fall, and are accounted fine eating. The dexterity with which the slingers manage their weapon is very remarkable; they throw the stone to a great height without any violent effort, and even without whirling the sling round before they discharge the pellet. In the Pyrenean mountains, where the same diversion is followed, the watchmen use a bow and arrow, trimmed with the feathers of a hawk."

The following simple but ingenious method of catching aquatic birds is used in Mexico by the natives. The lakes of the Mexican vale, as well as others of the kingdom, are frequented by a prodigious multitude of ducks, geese, and other water-birds. The Mexicans leave some empty gourds to float upon the water, where those birds resort, that they may be accustomed to see and approach them without fear. The bird-catcher goes into the water so deep as to hide his body, and covers his head with a gourd: the ducks come to peck at it; and then he pulls them by the feet under water, and in this manner secures as many as he pleases.