THE PASSENGER PIGEON IN PENNSYLVANIA 227 



Killed With Clubs 



''On May 11, 13 and 13, 1880, I saw near Kane, 

 McKean County, hundreds of young wild pigeons 

 killed with clubs (mornings and evenings as they 

 flew in long lines in an open passageway cut through 

 brush and trees for a pipe line.) These birds (no 

 adults were with them), flew by thousands, about six 

 to twelve feet above the ground, in almost a cintinu- 

 ous line along the open passageway through the forest 

 and shrubbery. Men stationed themselves along the 

 line and killed the birds, as they passed, with clubs. 

 Guns were not used, as clubs were more effective. 

 Birds slain in this manner, were carried of¥ on wheel- 

 barrows and by wagon loads. 



"Some hunters and netters were expert in calling 

 male wild pigeons, which uttered a shrill note, most 

 frequently heard when at rest, but sometimes made 

 in flight. The 'call' used was made of two wooden 

 blocks and a piece of silk ribbon fixed taut as a violin 

 string. 



Method of Netting 



"Experienced netters usually selected a marshy 

 spot between nesting places and feeding grounds, and 

 made a bed in which a quantity of salt was placed. 

 Near this salt bed was a bough house, which they 

 built. This was mostly made of green hemlock 

 branches. A stool pigeon was placed on the bed and 

 the call was utilized to lure the flocks of passing 

 pigeons. At first, probably only a few birds would 



