Englifh S'mgtfig- Birds. 45 



To tale Branchers. 



WE call all thofe young Birds by that 

 Name that were bred, and flew that 

 Year, about two or three Months old, before 

 they have moulted their Neftling Feathers; 

 what are taken at that Age before they be- 

 gin to MouU, are very good, little inferiour 

 to the Neltlings, but after they have moulted, 

 or in moult when taken, feldom prove good 

 Birds. 



The Time for taking Branchers is in '^une 

 or July-i vv'ith a Hawl'^ and a Net of about 

 elevren or twelve Yards long, and three or 

 four broad, with a Line run through the Mid- 

 dle of it. There muft be two Perfons, one 

 to carry the Hawk, the other to take hold 

 of one end of the Line ; and when you find 

 where Larks lie, get as near to them as you 

 can, then hold your Hawk up upon yourHand, 

 making him hover his Wings, which when 

 they perceive him, will lie very dole to the 

 Ground ; then let one take hold at one end of 

 the Line, and another hold of the other end, 

 till you come at the Place where they are, 

 holding your Hawk up as you go ; at the 

 Sight of which, they will lie fo clofe that you 

 may very eafily draw your Net over them. 

 When you have taken them, give them 

 Bread, Egg, and bruiied Hemp- feed ; put ia 



the 



