THE FINCHES. 
CHAPTER I. 
CHAPPINCH AND OTHER 
BIRD -TRAPS. 
The trap represented in 
the accompanying illustra- 
tion is that most com- 
monly used by the professed 
“ catcher.” The net is a cumbrous machine fixed in a 
wooden frame, and hinged in the middle. Round about 
the net (a “ snap” net it is called) are placed any sort of 
singing-birds in cages, or, better still, braced and attached 
to sticks thrust in the ground. The centre of the net is 
pegged securely to the ground, and the catcher attaching to 
the sides the strings that work the snap, retires with them 
out of sight, and, lying down, holds the said strings in hand as 
warily as does a coachman the reins of his restive horse. The 
tiny decoys in the cages and attached to the sticks, forgetful 
of then* captivity in the presence of the green grass and the rust- 
ling trees, or, more probable still, joyfully hailing them as 
dear friends met unexpectedly, utter such glad music that all 
