326 GALLING. PHASIANIM. 



A little later, when the planting season begins, they 

 do still greater damage, by digging up and devouring 

 the seed-yams, and cocoe-heads, thus frustrating 

 the hopes of the husbandman in the bud. " The 

 corn is no sooner put into the ground than it is 

 scratched out ; and the peas are not only dug up 

 by them, but shelled in the pod." (Dr. Cham.) 

 The sweet potato, however, as I am informed, 

 escapes their ravages, being invariably rejected by 

 them. To protect the growing provisions, some of 

 the negro peasants have recourse to scarecrows, 

 and others endeavour to capture the birds by a 

 common rat-gin set in their way. It must, how- 

 ever, be quite concealed, or it may as well be at 

 home ; it is therefore sunk in the ground, and 

 lightly covered with earth and leaves. A springe 

 is useless, unless the cord be blackened and dis- 

 coloured so as to resemble the dry trailing stem 

 of some creeper, for they are birds of extreme 

 caution and suspicion. It is hence extremely difficult 

 to shoot them, their fears being readily alarmed, and 

 their fleetness soon carrying them beyond the reach 

 of pursuit. But the aid of a dog, even a common 

 cur, greatly diminishes the difficulty. Pursuit by 

 an animal whose speed exceeds their own, seems 

 to paralyze them ; they instantly betake themselves 

 to a tree, whence they may be shot down with 

 facility, as their whole senses appear to be con- 

 centrated upon one object, the barking cur beneath, 

 regarding whom with attent eyes, and outstretched 

 neck, they dare not quit their position of defence. 

 Flight cannot be protracted by them, nor is it trusted 



