MODE OF CAPTURING. 227 
commence his plans for their capture. His first proceed- 
ing is to make a circle, on the margin of which he scatters 
a few grains of Indian corn; this being accomplished, he 
sprinkles from the ring to its centre more grain. Here 
is erected a small edifice of poles, laying sufficiently close 
upon each other not to obstruct the light, at the same time 
to prevent the prey from escaping when inside. Under- 
neath the foundation of this structure a passage is cut, with 
a gradual incline of sufficient size for the game to force it- 
self into the cage, the incline and interior of the trap being 
abundantly supplied with grain. This generally wary bird, 
in his wanderings through the woods in search of food, dis- 
covers the corn laid along the outer circle: feeding along 
he follows it, till the line is reached which leads to the 
trap; this he also pursues, and ultimately squeezes him- 
self inside the cage, whence, as long as any thing remains 
to eat, he never thinks of retiring. At length all is con- 
sumed, when the captive raises his head for an examination 
of his prison; after a time he endeavors to force his way 
through between the poles, but this is impossible, for they 
are firmly pinned together. Restraint now makes the pris- 
oner reckless; headlong he dashes against the bars, till ex 
hausted, frightened, and with disordered plumage, he re- 
signs himself to his fate, never for an instant thinking of 
lowering his head to seek for the spot that afforded him 
admission. As many as a dozen wild turkeys have been 
caught by this means at one time. Curiosity is another of 
their besetting failings, and a knowledge of this weakness 
in their character is often employed to bring the noble bird 
within gunshot. While residing in Southern Illinois, I had 
a, favorite kitten, which, unless I shut it up, would invaria- 
bly follow me into the woods when shooting. On one oc- 
casion, with this strange shooting companion at my heels, 
I came across deer-tracks so fresh and regular that I felt 
