96 METHODS FOR TAKING SMALL BIRDS. 



merely such as roost on the ground, but on shrubs, 

 bushes, hawthorn trees, and the like places. 



The depth of winter is the best season for this sport ; 

 and the darker the night, and colder the weather, so 

 much the better. 



As to the manner of bat-fowling, it may be practised 

 with nets or without : if without, suppose your company 

 be twelve, let one-third part carry poles, to which little 

 bundles of dry hay or straw, dipped in pitch, rosin, or 

 the like (so that it will blaze), must be bound at top : 

 another third part of the company must attend at the 

 fires with long poles, rough and bushy at the upper end, 

 to knock down the birds that fly about the lights : an- 

 other third part must have poles to beat the bushes and 

 other places, to cause the birds to fly about the lights; 

 which they will do as if amazed, not departing from 

 them, so that they may be knocked down. 



It will be proper for one of the company to carry a 

 candle or lantern, that in case the lights be extinguished, 

 they may be kindled at pleasure ; and be sure to observe 

 the most profound silence, especially till the lights are 

 kindled. 



Another way with nets is performed thus : Let two 

 or three go with lanterns and candles lighted, extended 

 in. one of their hands, such as before described when 

 using the low-bell ; and in the other hand small nets, 

 like a racket, but less, fixed at the end of a long pole, 

 to beat down the birds as they sit at roost ; which, sur- 

 prised with the great blazing light, will not stir until 



