PL O VER NE TTING. 



189 



shown in fig. 6 ; act similarly at the other pole at 

 F, fig. i. As the broad end of these little catch- 

 pegs, G, press against the ground, their points over 

 the rope, the long notched pegs (E, fig. 4) holding 

 their centre, they cannot fly up. 



Place the dead decoys head to wind on their sup- 

 ports in the ground, their legs over the side arms, 

 as in figs, i and 2 ; covering the short arms (which 

 are two inches long) of these irons with the wings 

 and feathers, put the longest arm (four inches long) 



FIG. 6. 



FIG. 7. 



of the three prongs against the breast, its point 

 into the bird's chin underneath. When nicely set 

 they have a wonderfully lifelike appearance (fig. 7).* 

 Clear of the net at K put the live decoy, fixed as in 

 fig. 8. The ring of iron is filled with soft thick 

 cloth, so as not to damage the bird's legs, and the 

 legs are secured, as shown in the sketch, by means 



* If no recently-killed plover are to be had, which are far the best, 

 stuffed ones may be used. They will last a season, but are never so 

 successful as recently-taken birds. Wooden ones, under all circum- 

 stances of fowling, are useless to attract. They are too hard and stiff, 

 and have no soft plumage to ruffle in a natural manner. 



