430 Practical Game Preserving. 



should be chosen in some spot hidden to a great extent, 

 whence aim may be taken with but little exposure. A 

 dead lamb or piece of sheepskin should be provided and 

 placed in full view (on the top of a large stone for preference) 

 in close proximity to the person concealed. If the ravens 

 be about they will soon notice the lure and commence 

 circling round about it, uttering their dismal croak mean- 

 while. Under such circumstances, a shot at one or both 

 is almost certain. In the open they may often be brought 

 within range by simply lying down on one's back. 



When it is desired to poison the raven ; a lamb, sheep, 

 or piece of flesh carrion being quite admissible may be 

 employed, and a sufficiency of strychnine put about it. The 

 bait must then be transported to some favourite haunt of 

 the ravens, and, if possible, be .placed in a conspicuous 

 situation easily perceived by them, but and this is indis- 

 pensable quite out of the reach of any animal or person ; 

 and it is advisable to attach to a poisoned bait of this sort 

 a label making clear the nature of the lure. 



This, so far as we are aware, is all that can be said as 

 to the taking of these birds. It was necessary to take 

 some note of the raven as vermin, for undoubtedly in many 

 districts it is a source of great annoyance and loss both 

 to the farmer and game preserver, and whatever may be 

 said as regards the increasing scarcity of the bird, it is 

 certain that for many years to come it will find abundance 

 of country in Great Britain suitable to its tastes and habits, 

 and where its presence may be freely tolerated. 



