188 NATURE AND WOODCRAFT. 



margined the coast. The Snipe is one of the first 

 birds to be affected by severe weather ; and 

 if on elevated ground when frost sets in, im- 

 mediately betakes itself to the lowlands. At 

 these times Kittiwake had an ingenious method 

 of taking this pretty little game-bird. This 

 was by means of a " pantle " made of twisted 

 horsehair. In preparing his snares the old 

 fowler trampled a strip of oozy ground, until, 

 in the darkness, it had the appearance of a 

 narrow plash of water. The Snipe were taken 

 as they came to feed on ground presumably con- 

 taining food of which they were fond. 



As well as Woodcock and Snipe, Larks were 

 taken in the panties by thousands. These were 

 set somewhat differently to those intended for 

 the capture of the minor game-birds. A main 

 line, sometimes as much as a hundred yards in 

 length, was set along the marsh, and to this at 

 short intervals were set a, great number of loops 

 of horsehair in which the birds were taken. 

 During the migratory season, or in winter 

 when larks have flocked, sometimes a hundred 

 bunches (of a dozen each) would be taken in a 

 single day. 



During the rigour of winter, too, great flocks 



