ANCIENT METHODS OF CAPTURING WILD-FOWL. 19 



the size and strengtli of which were in accordance with the size and 

 streng-th of the birds expected to be captured ; but lig'ht^ flexible, and 

 slender, that they might twist and cleave to the feathers. Twigs 

 taken from the willow tree were best adapted, and most generally 

 employed, for the purpose. A number of these twigs, or rods, being 

 placed about the most frequented feeding haunts of wild-fowl just 

 before twilight of a winter's evening, and a stale or two made fast to 

 stakes in a vacant place among the lime-rods, the fowler hid himself 

 at a convenient distance, where he held a string in his hand in con- 

 nection with the stales, that he might rouse and cause them to flutter 

 and " quack !" so as to attract the attention of flights of fowl that 

 might be passing- over in the air ; which, on alighting among the 

 lime-twigs, became besmeared about theii* feet and feathers with 

 bird-lime, and being unable to release themselves, they were held down, 

 and prevented flying by the adhesive property of the lime, and so 

 easily captured ; for the more they struggled to release themselves 

 the sooner they became helpless, and unable to fly. 



In placing these lime-rods it was necessary to take particular 

 observation of the furrows and water-rills, where the fowl usually 

 stalk and paddle for worms, flot-grass, roots, and such Hke ; and to 

 note where several furrows meet in one, or branch ofl" into smaller 

 divisions, and in such places to set the rods. 



The lime-twigs employed for taking wild-fowl on land, were also 

 frequently applied to the purposes of taking them by water, the twigs 

 being planted partly above and partly under water, with a few call- 

 birds among them, secured to stakes in the manner ah-eady described. 

 The whole was a very attractive, and often highly successful method 

 of fowling, and was employed by day as well as night, particularly 

 in shallow pools and inland waters — the daily haunts of duck, widgeon, 

 and teal. The services of a good water dog* were considered 

 essential for the pm-pose of capturing the birds, which dived with 

 much avidity, notwithstanding the twigs might be sticking to their 

 feathers. 



It would appear that a considerable amount of skill and experience 

 was necessary in placing these lime-twigs for fowling by day -light, or 

 the birds would not alight among them. 



* " Neither sliall you in any wise come witliout your water dogge, for he is a 

 main instrument, and a servant of sucli use, that without him in this place you shall 

 loose halfo your gettings, therefore in anywise be ever sure to have him at your 

 heeles." — MarJcham. 



