METHODS OF CAPTURING GEESE. 421 



In certain districts in Scandinavia, where wild geese either 

 breed, or abound during migration, they are looked upon as 

 very injurious to the agriculturists. This is the case as well 

 in the spring as in the fall, at both of which seasons 

 they visit the cultivated fields in large flocks. In the former 

 they devour and trample down the young rye, as well as 

 pluck up the newly-sown grain; and in the latter commit 

 much havoc amongst the standing corn. In some places 

 they are also complained of as doing very considerable 

 damage to the pastures. 



Many devices are had recourse to in the peninsula to 

 capture wild geese. In Lapland they are taken during the 

 spring in steel-traps. These are set near to natural openings 

 in the ice, where the birds are known to resort, and baited 

 with the roots of the river horse-tail (Equisetum fluviatile, 

 Linn.), or of the Ranunculus aquatilis, Linn. 



When feeding in stubble-fields, or elsewhere, wild geese 

 are also not un frequently shot with the assistance of a 

 stalking-horse ; and if the animal be well trained, great 

 execution may thus at times be done. But in lieu of a 

 steed, a so-called Skjut-Ko, or shooting-cow, is made use of. 



" Such a one," M. Greiff tells us, " is composed of 

 strong canvas, in the form of a cow, and painted brown. 

 For its easier transport it is rolled up, and when used is 

 distended by means of several sticks. One of these is placed 

 lengthwise, and one in each leg ; and there is besides an un- 

 attached stick, which serves to support the Skjut-Ko when 

 placed on the ground. At the shoulder there is a hole for 

 the protrusion of the gun-barrel. 



" On a particular occasion," he goes on to say, " I made 

 one of hoops and sticks, and covered it with canvas, so 



