io Poachers and Poaching. 



planted at regular intervals. These so far 

 interfere with the working of the net as to 

 allow the birds time to escape. If the poacher 

 has not accurately marked down his game 

 beforehand, a much wider net is needed. 

 Among turnips, and where large numbers of 

 birds are supposed to lie, several rows or 

 " riggs " are taken at a time, until the whole of 

 the ground has been traversed. This last 

 method requires time and a knowledge of the 

 keeper's beat. On rough ground the catching of 

 the net may be obviated by having about 

 eighteen inches of smooth glazed material 

 bordering the lower and trailing part of the net. 

 Partridges are occasionally taken by farmers in 

 the following unorthodox fashion. A train of 

 grain is scattered from ground where game is 

 known to lie. The birds follow this, and each 

 morning find it more nearly approach to the 

 stackyards. When the birds have become 

 accustomed to this mode of feeding, the grain 

 train is continued inside the barn. The birds 

 follow, and the doors are closed upon them. A 

 bright light is brought, and the game is knocked 

 down with sticks. 



Partridges feed in the early morning as soon 

 as daybreak. They resort to one spot, and are 

 constant in their coming if encouraged. This 

 the poacher knows, and adapts himself accord- 

 ingly. By the aid of a clear moon he lays a 



