J3LBD-CATCHING-. 



MANY of our readers, no doubt, are desirous of 

 obtaining specimens upon which to try their pro- 

 ficiency in the art, in which it is to be hoped our 

 previous chapters have rendered them skilful ; and 

 with this view we now append the various methods 

 advised by the celebrated German naturalist, ex- 

 tracted from his very useful book. In giving these 

 instructions it must be understood that we are not 

 advocates for the destruction of the feathered tribe, 

 for we do not in any way sanction or countenance 

 wanton destruction of any living creature, merely 

 justifying the capture of a bird where its preservation 

 is desired either for purposes of study or practical 

 utility. Dr. Bechstein says : 



" A good bird-catcher ought to know not only the 

 different modes of taking birds, but also all the calls 

 for attracting the different species and sexes : the call- 

 notes vary very much among house birds, according to 

 their passions and wants ; thus the common chaffinch, 

 when calling its companions, often repeats iacJc, lack ; 

 when expressing joy, fink, fink, which it also does 

 when angry, though louder and more quickly ; whilst 

 its cry of sorrow is treef, treef. 



" The science of bird-catching consists in studying 

 these different languages well, and it will ensure 

 success. 



" The first thing to know is the proper time to take 



