256 VITTJADE. 



and so hard as to resemble silkworm-gut. Several of 

 these threads- are tied together, so as to form large or 

 small clusters. 



These artificial berries are used in precisely the same 

 way as the natural ones ; their value may not seem 

 commensurate with the trouble of preparing them, but it 

 must be remembered that, once ready, the labour is 

 elided, fbr, if prepared with care, and yearly dipped in 

 fresh dye, they may be used for several generations. 



But even should the fowler be unprovided with 

 either natural or artificial berries, he is not altogether 

 Avithout resources. On one occasion, when M. Ekstr5m 

 was thus situated, he " unravelled," he tells us, "an old 

 red nightcap, and placed the knots formed out of its 

 threads in the ' Donor,' which to a certain extent 

 answered the purpose." 



In the more central parts of Sweden the " Dona-filngst " 

 commences in the beginning of September, the time some- 

 what depending on the early or late appearance of the 

 night frosts. In the beginning of the season the " Donor " 

 should be rittjude, or examined, twice in the course of 

 the day, but when "striickning" is at its height, at least 

 three times, viz., at teii in the morning, about mid-day, 

 and at four in the afternoon. For the most part, how- 

 ever, twice a day — in the fore and afternoon — is sufficient. 

 It would never do to allow them to remain unexamined ; 

 for it must be evident to every one that when birds 

 are captured, and are struggling in the snares, they 

 cannot but scare away their comrades. 



Another reason why the man should pay frequent 

 visits to the " Dona - gang " is that some birds, more 

 especially the Thrushes, are so cunning as never to 

 alight on the " Dona " itself, but, whilst flying past it, 

 pluck the berries from off the stalks. When it is observed 

 that these unwelcome visitors are incliued thus to feed 



