1879.] 



MR. R. B. SHARPE ON THE BIRDS OF LABUAN. 



347 



At b is a hole similar to the embouchure of a flute ; and the lower 

 end of the blow-tube, a, is fitted to this in such a manner that, on 

 blowing at a, a soft, low, flute-like ' cooing' is easily producible; and 

 this can be readily modulated so as to be heard either at a long dis- 

 tance or near at hand. The native, who has taken up his position 

 in the forest or jungle where these little birds are found, blows very 

 softly at first ; but if there be no answering call from the birds he 

 blows louder and louder, thus increasing the radius of sound. If 

 there really be any Pigeons of this kind within hearing, they are sure 

 to auswer ; and then the hunter blows softer and softer until they are 

 enticed into the ' wigwam ' of leafy branches which he has erected 

 in order to conceal himself from sight. The door or entrance to 



Fig. 4. 



' Dakut ' or call used by the Khadyan natives. 



these ' wigwams ' is partially closed by a screen of palm (Nipa fru- 

 ticans) leaves. This is elevated a little (as shown in my sketch) to 

 allow the Pigeons to enter, after which it is allowed to fall, port- 

 cullis-like, entirely, so as to close the entrance ; and the bird is then 

 easily secured. Above the entrance two holes are made, so that the 

 hunter can look out without being seen. These huts are formed of 

 a few poles or sticks, rudely thatched with twigs and palm-leaves, 

 and vary from four to six feet in height. 



" This Pigeon is migratory, and arrives in Labuan and on the op- 

 posite Bornean coast with the change of the monsoon, about April. 

 Many hundreds are then caught by means of this ' dakut,' or 'bam- 

 boo call,' and are offered for sale by their captors for a cent or two 

 each. They are also kept by the natives as domestic pets, along 

 with young Hornbills, the • Mina' bird or ' Grackle,' a small species 

 of Parrakeet, and Java Sparrows." 



