216



The Marquis of Tavistock,



into a kind of box-trap for the capture of unbidden guests. The

■simplest form of trap-tray is a kind of box consisting of a stout

metal framework covered with wire netting, the mesh being suffi¬

ciently fine to exclude mice. Two of the sides, at right angles to

each other, are fastened to the top by means of hinges in such a

way that by placing a T-shaped prop at the corner of the trap, the

two sides can be simultaneously kept raised on a level with the top

and the birds allowed to pass under them and reach the food con¬

tained in the shallow metal tray (perforated with two or three holes

for drainage purposes) which lies on the floor. One end of a line is

fastened to the stem of the prop and the other is carried behind a

screen erected at some little distance, and so arranged that a person

behind it can observe the birds feeding on the tray without making

himself visible to them. A sharp pull at the line from behind the

screen causes the prop to jump away, thereby releasing the sides,

which fall downwards and inwards by their own weight, and the

trap-tray becomes a closed box. Electric bell-wire makes the best

line ; common string is most dangerous, as with the first shower of

rain it shrinks considerably and pulls the trap shut by reason of the

increasing tension,—usually selecting for the manoeuvre a moment

when those birds are feeding on the tray which it is least desired to

interfere with. Where there is any chance of meddlesome persons

working the trap out of mischief or for the purpose of catching and

•stealing the Parrots, it is advisable to lock the end of the line in a

small box fastened securely to the back of the screen, which should

in this case be of a very substantial description. If this is done, it

is impossible for anyone to pull the line without first showing himself

to the birds and scaring them away to safety.


In the centre of the top of the trap there should be a small

hinged 1 door ” which can be opened for the insertion of the hand

and arm when the sides have fallen and the birds have been caught.

The whole contrivance can either be placed on the ground or on

some kind of raised stand. In the latter case it is usually wise to

peg the line down, or rather to run it through swivels on the ground

level, for if it is swinging loose, large birds flying against it or falling

branches of trees striking it are apt to dislodge the prop at incon¬

venient moments. When the trap-tray is on the ground it is as



