86 



THE WILD FOWLKU. 



Exactly central between the two outer fulcrums, or those farthest 

 from the water's edg-e, is another post, called the " trig-g-er-post/' the 

 use of which will be explained presently. 



Two extra posts are required for the purpose of conducting- a line 

 for steadying- the ascent of the poles. These are g-enerally placed in 

 the plantation, about equidistant from the twin-posts and the outer 

 fulcrums. 



The posts (nine in all), so arranged, are ready for the reception of 

 the two poles, the but-end of each of which turns upon its axis, at 

 the top of the twin-posts, where the libration is preserved by a very 

 simple machinery, consisting- of an iron pivot and trammel ; by means 

 of which, and a box of iron weights, the pole is forced up in the air, 

 into a perpendicular position. The poles, so weighted and arranged, 

 are then ready for reception of the net, which is simply laced to 

 them, commencing at the top, and extending as far down as may be 

 considered necessary, but never quite down to the lower end of the 

 poles. 



The net is in form a simple pai'allelogram, and extends from one 

 pole to the other, covering the whole quadrilateral space between the 

 posts. 



The steadying-ropes and lines being" arranged, all is ready for 

 action. The trigger-post, before mentioned as standing- exactly cen- 

 tral between the two outer fulcrums, is the commanding- position, as 

 that where the fowler places himself; and, just before shooting- the net, 

 every fastening is cast oiF, except those connected with the poles at 

 the outer fulcrums, from which a line with a noose is attached, lead- 

 ing- to the trigger-post; when, by suddenly drawing a ring-bolt, the 

 weight of the boxes on the lower end of the poles forces them up, 

 carrying the net with them. At the top of each pole a ship's 

 block, or sheave, is attached, thi'ough which a small rope is 

 rove, in connection with corresponding sheaves in the extra posts 

 before mentioned, the object of the rope being to steady the ascent of 

 the poles ; for, if they were permitted to fly up too suddenly, they 

 would jump ofl" the twin-posts, tearing* away the trammels, and 

 carrying destruction with them wherever they fell, and probably 

 placing the lives of the fowler and his assistants in imminent danger. 

 By means of the lines and sheaves, the poles are drawn down again, 

 the lines hove taut upon the sheaves, and secured until required for 

 further service. 



The poles are each sixty feet in length ; twelve inches diameter at 



