INGENIOUS DEVICE. 265 



consequence, war in every form is waged against it. But 

 of all the devices, none perhaps are more simple and ingenious 

 than that recommended by the Rev. J. Wulf. 



" One must prepare," he tells us, " a Bulvan (that is, a 

 stuffed decoy bird) of the kind to which the goshawk is most 

 partial. This Bulvan is impaled, so to speak, on a barbed 

 spear, affixed to an upright stake, in such manner that the 

 point of the spear extends some two and a half inches beyond 

 the back, and is bound so securely to the stake that it can 

 neither slip up nor down. The spear must be pointed some- 

 what towards the tail of the Bulvan ; for birds of prey, which 

 usually make their attacks from behind, are thereby often- 

 times pierced in the lower part of the breast and cannot 

 therefore so well extricate themselves. 



" That portion of the spear extending beyond the Bulvan 

 should be somewhat flat, and the edges, as well as the point 

 itself, very sharp ; and it should be filed very smooth, so that 

 when the bird makes its pounce, the spear may the easier 

 penetrate its body. If the spear be bright or polished, the 

 hawk shies at the Bulvan ; for which reason it is best to 

 pass it through the fire, and whilst still warm to smear it 

 over with a mixture of linseed and olive oil, which causes it 

 to retain its keenness as well as its appearance, during both 

 wet and dry weather. 



" The goshawk, when on the look out for prey, always 

 flies low, and the Bulvan should therefore be placed on the 

 top of a tree of not more than fourteen to sixteen feet in 

 height, and on one that is near to the poultry-yard. But if 

 a suitable tree is not to be found thereabouts, a young spruce- 

 pine should be inserted in the ground, at the spot considered 

 the most desirable. 



