206 



THE GYR-FALCON TRAP. 



rock for the pui'pose. The lien, or Duck, that serves as 

 lure, heing protected from injury hy a Avire coveinng, is 

 placed directly under the " giller-kors " D. When now 

 the Hawk sees the decoy-hird,* and attempts to seize 

 it, he necessarily touches the " trigger," on which the 

 imprisoned how is set at liberty, and the net unfolding 

 and over-lapping the marauder, seals his fate. 



THE GYR-FAU'ON TRAP. 



Another invention for capturing the Hawk-tribe, more 

 especially the Gyr-Falcon — one which, in the olden times, 



* An arti6cial l>ird is preferable to a living one, as it is not tlien needful 

 to look so constantly after the trap. Tlie skin of some water-fowl answers 

 best, being less affected by rain or damp ; but it should be provided with 

 the bill of a land bird, because the greater part of birds of jirey prefer the 

 latter. Before the skin Ls stuffed, however, it should be well manipulated ; 

 and if, in addition, a small spiral spring be placed in its neck, and others 

 under its wings, it will become so flexible that the least breath of air will 

 set it in motion, and birds of prey cannot but suppose it to be living. The 

 colom- of the decoy-bird, it is to be noticed, should form a marked 

 conti-ast to the ground, as in that case it will often lure a hawk, soaring in 

 the au', from an incredible distance. 



