38 PRACTICAL TAXIDERMY. 



thread netting', edged with cords adapted to the extent of the lint. The 

 glade net so formed is suspended between two trees, directly in the 

 track of the woodcock's flight. Both the upper and lower corners have 

 each a rope attached to them which, as regards the upper part of the 

 net, is rove through sheaves, iron rings, or thimbles fastened to the 

 trees on either side at the top of the glade at a moderate height, varying 

 from ten to twelve or fifteen feet. The falls of the two upper ropes are 

 joined or so adjusted that they form a bridge, to the central part of 

 which a rope is attached of several yards in length, which the fowler 

 holds in his hand in a place of concealment, and thus commands full 

 power over the net, being able to drop it down suddenly and intercept 

 the flight of any birds which may attempt to escape through the glade ; 

 or he can draw it up as suddenly from the ground to a perpendicular 

 position. A stone, of about 51b. weight, is attached to each of the lower 

 cords of the net, so that when the fowler lets go his controlling rope the 

 weight of the stones forces the lower part of the net down in an instant 

 with a strong fall, and, at the same time, they draw up the upper part 

 of the net. The fowler having stationed himself in such a position 

 as to command a full view of the glade in which his net is placed, 

 beaters are employed to flush the cocks from their retreats ; immediately 

 on one or more flying in the direction of the fowler a signal is given, and 

 just as the bird approaches the net it is suddenly let down or drawn up, 

 when the woodcock, flying forcibly against it, is immediately ensnared. 

 The instant the birds have struck the net the fowler lets go another 

 rope, which is generally looped to a stake within reach of his arm, and 

 the whole net, with the birds entangled, then drops to the ground. 

 In forcing themselves forward in their endeavour to escape they 

 form the net into a sort of bag, which makes their capture more 

 certain. 



Nets are in some parts of tlie world set under water to pro- 

 cure wild fowl. I remember, when in Norfolk, a gannet heing 

 bronght in by one of the fishing boats ; the bird had become 

 accidentally entangled in one of the nets whilst attempting to 

 rob it of some fish. 



Small nets of a few yai-ds long, made of fine black silk, with 

 a small mesh, are used in some parts of the country for taking 

 kingfishers. These nets are stretched across a small water- 

 course or the arch of a bridge in such a manner that, a little 

 " slack " being allowed, the bird is taken to a certainty in 

 attempting to pass. So fatal is this net when skilfully set, that 



