254 THE VINB-HaR. 



merit of beini^ very simple, easily constructed, and 

 unattended with any kind of expense, they have the 

 disadvantage of not lasting more than a single season, 

 and often not so long. The weather, moreover, has too 

 great an effect on the spring ; for if wet, the latter becomes 

 weak and slow to act, and if cold and dry, brittle and 

 apt to snap asunder. 



The "Donor" ought to be placed to the right and left 

 of the path, at about six feet from the ground, and at a 

 distance of from sis to eight feet from each other ; and 

 if possible, matters should be so arranged that wiien a 

 bird alights at the one " Dona," it should see othei's both 

 before and behind it. 



The fowler must be particularly careful that the snares 

 hanw evenlv within the bow of the "Dona," and the one 

 somewhat hicrher than the other. If thev are found to be 

 twisted, as is not unfrequently the case, during storms, or 

 a change in the weather, he, whilst holding tlie knotted 

 end of the snare in the right hand, draws it between the 

 thumb and finger of the left, until it becomes quite 

 straight. The "Eing-Dona" has in this respect an 

 advantage over the others, that to right the snare when 

 out of order it is only requisite to touch the " ring," when 

 it immediately assumes its proper place. 



To guard against the snares twisting, the " Dona," it 

 should be remarked, is not unfrequently provided with a 

 so-called Vind-Mr, or wind-hair. This consists of one 

 or more horse-hairs which, after being passed horizon- 

 tally around tlie bow of the " Dona," are fastened to the 

 tree or bush to which the latter is attached; and when, 

 therefore, the snare is thus placed between the " wind- 

 hairs," it cannot get out of its place. 



Por the " Dona - faugst," the fowler requires a goodly 

 supply of snares. These should be of black horse-hair, 

 taken in preference (as being tougher) from the tails of 



