184 THE WILD TURKEY AND ITS HUNTING 



The bands or ferrules are intended to make the 

 instrument doubly strong, as well as to improve 

 its looks. It is a tedious job to make a good 

 call, but when you have one properly made, it 

 will last a great while, and I think this particular 

 call is the best in the world. 



There is one objection to the box, slate, or 

 similar calls: they make quite a noise near by 

 but can not be heard any distance. The instru- 

 ment I make can be heard a half or three quarters 

 of a mile away. 



This call is used by taking the flat bone end 

 between the lips and by measured sucking motion 

 the notes are produced. The cluck is produced 

 by placing the tip of the tongue on the end of the 

 mouth-piece, and giving a sudden jerk and suck. 

 This, according to my opinion, is the most nat- 

 ural cluck that was ever made by any instru- 

 ment, and it can be modulated so as to seduce 

 or alarm at the will of the operator. 



It is necessary to practise the use of a caller 

 until proficiency is attained, the same as you 

 would do in playing a flute or violin. Calling, 

 in my opinion, is the most important thing to 



