233 



Kookooskoos had used my pole as a watch- 

 tower before carrying off his game. 



There is another way in which he is easily "^Kookooskoos 

 fooled. In the early spring, when he is mat- 

 ing, and again in the autumn, when the 

 young birds are well fed and before they 

 have learned much, you can bring him close 

 up to you by imitating his hunting call. In 

 the wilderness, where these birds are plenty, 

 I have often had five or six about me at 

 once. You have only to go well out beyond 

 your tent, and sit down quietly, making your- 

 self part of the place. Give the call a few 

 times, and if there is a young bird near with 

 a full stomach, he will answer and gradually 

 come nearer. Soon he is in the tree over 

 your head. Keep still now, and presently he 

 sets up a great hooting that you have called 

 him and do not answer. Others are attracted 

 by his calling ; they come in silently from all 

 directions ; the outcry is startling. The call 

 is more nervous, more eerie, more terrifying 

 close at hand than when heard in the dis- 

 tance. They sweep about like shadows, 

 hoo-hoo-hooing and frolicking in their own 



