216 THE IMPORTANCE OF BIRD LIFE 



out birds except in the migratory seasons when 

 the winged travelers from northern Europe pass 

 over her boundaries. 



Bird killing in Italy is on a scientific basis. 

 The markets are flooded with the little bodies dur- 

 ing the late autumn, and birds are regarded as 

 one of the commercial resources of the country. 

 In reality, however, they represent a rich resource 

 of all Europe which is employed by Italy for her 

 own benefit. Small birds fetch from two to five 

 cents apiece in the market. They may be bought 

 singly or strung on long spits. The majority are 

 song-birds, though a few actually belong to the 

 proper list of migratory game. 



The Italian method of procuring them is by 

 means of traps, of which several kinds are 

 employed. For instance, there is the roccolo, a 

 tower set up in the midst of a small grove of trees 

 or brush, from which are strung a series of 

 fowler's nets. The bird-catcher remains hidden 

 inside the tower, while, outside, his live decoy- 

 birds entice others into the toils with their calls. 



Or the fowler may utilize as a trap a high cir- 

 cular wall completely lined inside with nets. The 

 bottom of the inclosed court-yard is liberally 

 covered with grain, and several call-birds are 

 loosed there to feed. Migrating individuals, as- 

 sured by the presence of the decoys, flock down be- 

 side them. Then, when a sufficient number have 

 collected, the trapper discharges a gun. Wild 



