78 VARIOUS WAYS OF TAKING PHEASANTS. 



The chief period for using the call is in the morning 

 early, or about sunset, at which time they seek their 

 food, and then the note must he to call them to feed ; 

 but though these are the best occasions, yet it may be 

 used at other times, only altering the notes for calling 

 them together. 



Having the perfect use of the call, the knowledge of 

 their haunts, and the time to take them, choose some 

 private place in which you may not be discovered, and 

 then call at first very softly, lest any should be lodged very 

 near you, and be frightened at your loud note ; but if 

 nothing replies, then raise your note higher and higher 

 till it be extended to the utmost compass, and if any 

 be within hearing, they will answer in as loud a note as 

 yours, provided it be tuneable, or else all will be spoiled. 



As soon as the pheasant answers, if it be at a good 

 distance, creep nearer and nearer, still calling, but not 

 so loudly : as you advance nearer, so will the pheasant 

 to you, so that you will come in sight of it, either on 

 the ground or at perch, always imitating it in the true 

 note. Then cease calling, and spread your net between 

 the pheasant and yourself, in the most convenient place 

 you can find, making one end fast to the ground, and 

 holding the other in your hand by a long line, so that 

 when any thing strains it, you may pull the net close 

 together. This done, call again, and as soon as you 

 perceive the pheasant come under your net, rise up and 

 show yourself, upon which, being frightened, she will 

 spring, and so become entangled in it. 



