94 PHEASANTS FOB COVUBTS AND AVAIRIE8. 



admit the top of stick D; the lower end of C resting 

 against the bender; and when the catcher is placed on 

 the top of stick C the whole is held up by D, the bender 

 being about 3in. from the ground. When the bird steps 

 on the bender the trap falls and secures it. If the 

 size described is used, the birds will hardly ever damage 

 themselves. Where pheasants are to be caught, the catcher 

 may be placed on the ground some time before using, propped 

 up with one stick only, and some white peas strewn under- 

 neath, and nowhere else. With this trap it is no trouble to 

 catch nearly every bird in the covert, however mild the season. 

 The best baskets for the transport of pheasants for short 

 distances are those made' of close brown wicker; in shape 

 they should resemble a basia turned upside down, the part 

 corresponding to the foot of the basin being uppermost, and 

 forming the only opening into the basket. Before being 

 used this opening should be covered with canvas, which is to 

 be closely stitched down half way round, previously to the 

 birds being placed inside, and firmly secured afterwards. In 

 these baskets they are free from observation and molestation 

 when travelling by rail or carrier, and from the baskets being 

 close and circular they are much less liable to injure their 

 plumage than when sent in more open and angular packages. 

 In forwarding live birds care should always be taken to attach 

 a stout and' somewhat loose cord across the top of the basket, 

 ia order to serve as a convenient handle by which it can be 

 lifted with one hand, otherwise, in the hurry of transit, the 

 railway porters, who cannot be expected to use both hands in 

 lifting every package, are certain to catch it up suddenly by 

 one side, and the birds are often severely injured by being 

 suddenly and violently thrown against the opposite one. 



The consideration of the best means of arranging for the 

 transport of birds over long distances and by shipboard, is 

 given at length in the Appendix. 



