either practised as an amusement by persons of rank or property, or for
a livelihood by persons who use nets and other apparatus. When practised
as an amusement, it principally consists of killing them with a light
firearm called a "fowling-piece," and the sport is secured to those who
pursue it by the game laws. The other means by which birds are taken,
consist in imitating their voices, or leading them, by other artifices,
into situations where they become entrapped by nets, birdlime, or
otherwise. For taking large numbers of birds, the pipe or call is the
most common means employed; and this is done during the months of
September and October. We will here briefly give a description of the
_modus operandi_ pursued in this sport. A thin wood is usually the spot
chosen, and, under a tree at a little distance from the others, a cabin
is erected, and there are only such branches left on the tree as are
necessary for the placing of the birdlime, and which are covered with
it. Around the cabin are placed avenues with twisted perches, also
covered with birdlime. Having thus prepared all that is necessary, the
birdcatcher places himself in the cabin, and, at sunrise and sunset,
imitates the cry of a small bird calling the others to its assistance.
Supposing that the cry of the owl is imitated, immediately different
kinds of birds will flock together at the cry of their common enemy,
when, at every instant, they will be seen falling to the ground, their
wings being of no use to them, from their having come in contact with
the birdlime. The cries of those which are thus situated now attract
others, and thus are large numbers taken in a short space of time. If
owls were themselves desired to be taken, it is only during the night
that this can be done, by counterfeiting the squeak of the mouse. Larks,
other birds, and water-fowl, are sometimes taken by nets; but to
describe fully the manner in which this is done, would here occupy too
much space.