ANCIENT METHODS OF CAPTURING WILD-FOWL. 19 



the size and strength of which were in accordance with the size and 

 strength of the hirds expected to be captured ; but light, flexible, and 

 slender, that they might twist and cleave to the feathers. Twigs 

 taken from the willow tree were best adapted, and most generally 

 employed, for the purpose. A number of these twigs, or rods, being 

 placed about the most frequented feeding haunts of wild-fowl just 

 before twilight of a winter's evening*, and a stale or two made fast to 

 stakes in a vacant place among the lime-rods, the fowler hid himself 

 at a convenient distance, where he held a string in his hand in con- 

 nection with the stales, that he might rouse and cause them to flutter 

 and " quack !" so as to attract the attention of flights of fowl that 

 might be passing over in the air ; which, on alighting among the 

 lime-twigs, became besmeared about their feet and feathers with 

 bird-lime, and being unable to release themselves, they were held down, 

 and prevented flying by the adhesive property of the lime, and so 

 easily captured ; for the more they struggled to release themselves 

 the sooner they became helpless, and unable to fly. 



In placing these lime-rods it was necessary to take particular 

 observation of the furrows and water-rills, where the fowl usually 

 stalk and paddle for worms, flot-grass, roots, and such like ; and to 

 note where several furrows meet in one, or branch off into smaller 

 divisions, and in such places to set the rods. 



The lime-twigs employed for taking wild-fowl on land, were also 

 frequently applied to the purposes of taking them by water, the twigs 

 being planted partly above and partly under water, with a few call- 

 birds among them, secured to stakes in the manner already described. 

 The whole was a very attractive, and often highly successful method 

 of fowling, and was employed by day as well as night, particularly 

 in shallow pools and inland waters the daily haunts of duck, widgeon, 

 and teal. The services of a good water dog* were considered 

 essential for the purpose of capturing the birds, which dived with 

 much avidity, notwithstanding the twigs might be sticking to their 

 feathers. 



It would appear that a considerable amount of skill and experience 

 was necessary in placing these lime-twigs for fowling by day-light, or 

 the birds would not alight among them. 



* " Neither sliall you in any wise come without your water dogge, for he is a 

 tnain instrument, and a servant of such use, that without him in this place you sluill 

 loose halfe your gettings, therefore in anywise be ever sure to have him at your 

 hcelcs." Mwkham. 



