METHODS FOR TAKING SMALL BIRDS. 95 



net of about three or four feet square, fixed to a long 

 stick, to carry in their hands ; and when either of them 

 sees a bird on his side, he must lay his net over it, and 

 so take it up, making as little noise as possible. They 

 must not be over hasty in their operations, but let him 

 that carries the light and low-bell be the foremost, for 

 fear of raising others, which their coming into the limits 

 of the light may occasion; for all is dark, except where 

 the light casts its reflection. 



It is to be observed, that the sound of the low-bell 

 causes the birds to lie close, and not dare to stir, while 

 your nets are passed over them, the light is so terrible 

 to them ; but you must be quite silent, lest you raise 

 them. 



If you wish to practise this sport by yourself, carry 

 the low-bell in one hand, as before directed, and in the 

 other a hand-net, about two feet broad and three feet 

 long, with a handle to it, to lay upon them as you spy 

 them. This way is sometimes preferred to the former. 

 But, instead of fixing the light to the breast, as before 

 stated, some tie the low-bell to the girdle, by a string 

 which hangs to the knees, when their motion causes the 

 bell to strike; they then carry the light in the hand, 

 extending the arm before them ; in which case, however, 

 the lantern or box should not be so large as that which 

 is fixed to the breast. 



Another way of taking small birds, is by bat-fowling ; 

 this being likeAvise a night exercise. By this means you 

 may take all sorts of birds both great and small, not 



