THE JAY. 33 



birds frequent most ; on it lime twigs must be placed. 

 In order to effect this, most of the branches are cut 

 off in such a manner as to form a kind of spiral stair- 

 case, commencing about ten or twelve feet from the 

 ground, and extending to within six of the top. After 

 having shortened and reduced the branches to five or 

 six spans in length, the lime twigs are fixed to them ; 

 under the tree must be placed a hut, made of green 

 branches, large enough to contain as many persons as 

 wish to conceal themselves. On the top of this hut 

 is placed a live owl, or one made of clay ; even the skin 

 of a hare, arranged so that it may be moved, will 

 suffice. Nothing is now wanted to attract the jays 

 but a bird-call, which is made of a little stick with a 

 notch cut in it and a little piece of the bark of the 

 cherry-tree inserted, another bit serving for a cover. 

 On this instrument the voice of the owl, the great 

 enemy of the jays, may easily be imitated ; and as soon 

 as they hear it they come from all sides, while their 

 cries must be repeated by the people in the hut, which 

 makes them assemble in still greater numbers. They 

 are soon entangled in the birdlime, and fall pell mell 

 into the hut, their weight easily dragging them through 

 the slight covering. Many other birds also collect on 

 hearing the deceitful call, and, wishing to assist their 

 brethren, are themselves entrapped. Thus, in a few 

 hours, many jays and a great number of other birds 

 may be caught, such as magpies, thrushes/woodpeckers, 

 redbreasts, and tits. Twilight is the best time for 

 this sport. 



In the month of July jays may also be taken in the 

 water-trap ', where young ones, with their tails only 

 half grown, are most frequently caught ; these may 

 be taught and tamed. 



Kestrel. Lime twigs placed over the nest W-li 



