Old Tricks 227 



gather. Stubbles are now so short that no birds will 

 lie in them, and the net would not be successful there 

 if it were tried. 



The net used to be so favourite an ' engine ' because 

 partridges and pheasants will run rather than fly. In 

 the case of partridges the poacher had first to ascertain 

 the haunt of the covey, which he could do by looking 

 for where they roost at night : the spot is often worn 

 almost bare of grass and easily found. Or he could listen 

 in the evening for the calling of the birds as they run 

 together. The net being set, he walked very slowly 

 down the wind towards the covey. It could not be 

 done too quietly or gently, because if one got up all 

 the rest would immediately take wing ; for partridges 

 act in concert. If he took his time and let them run 

 in front of him he secured the whole number. 



That was the principle ; but the nets were of many 

 kinds : the partridges were sometimes driven in by a 

 dog. The partridges that appear in the market on 

 the morning of the ist of September are said to be 

 netted, though probably by those who have a right 

 to do so. These birds by nature lend themselves to 

 such tricks, being so timid. It is said that if con- 

 tinually driven to and fro they will at last cower, 

 and can be taken by hand or knocked over with 

 a stick. 



