8o The Passenger Pigeon 



through which the ropes run, where he waits concealed 

 for the flights. 



Many trappers use two nets ranged along opposite 

 sides of the bed, which are thrown toward each other 

 and meet in the center. When enough birds are gath- 

 ered upon the beds to make a profitable throw, the 

 operator gives a quick jerk upon the rope, the net flies 

 over in an instant, while in its meshes struggle hundreds 

 of unwilling prisoners. 



After pinching their necks the trapper removes the 

 dead victims, resets the trap, and is ready for another 

 haul. To lure down the birds from their flight over- 

 head, most netters use "fliers" or "stool-pigeons." The 

 former are birds held captive by a cord, tied to the leg, 

 being thrown up into the air when a flight is observed 

 approaching, and drawn fluttering down when the 

 "flier" has reached its limit. The latter is a live pigeon 

 tied to a small circular framework of wood or wire 

 attached to the end of a slender and elastic pole, which 

 is raised and lowered by the trapper from his place of 

 concealment by a stout cord and which causes constant 

 fluttering. A good stool-pigeon (one which will stay 

 upon the stool) is rather difficult to obtain, and is worth 

 from $5 to $25. Many trappers use the same birds 

 for several years in succession. 



The number of pigeons caught in a day by an expert 

 trapper will seem incredible to one who has not wit- 

 nessed the operation. A fair average is sixty to ninety 



