THe Net for taking Partridge should be [ 20] shaped and proportioned in all points as to breadth and length like the Phea••an••-Net, only the Mesh must be somewhat smaller, but as to the colour it may be the same; yet some are of O∣pinion, that it were not amiss if it were som∣what longer and broader, for thereby you may catch them with the greater certainty, your cir∣cumference or walk about them being the larger, and will cover more ground, but let not your [ 30] Net be so long, or broad as to be cumbersom un∣to you; For that will rather obstruct than fur∣ther you; The Nets, if for a Covy should be sixteen or twenty Yards long, and four or five deep; and if in Paring time, then eight or ten Yards long, and about four deep; And let your Lines and Cords be answerable.
Having your things in order, and found out a Covy, draw forth your Nets. And taking a large circuit about the Partridges with a quick pace and [ 40] carless Eye, as if you did not see or regard them, until you have made ready your Nets for the purpose, then begin to draw in your circumference less and less, until you come within the length of the Net; then pricking down a Stick about three Foot long, to which fasten one end of the Line of your Net, and making it fast in the Earth as you walk about without making any stay, you shall then (letting the Net slip out of your hands) spread it open as you go, and so carry it and lay [ 50] it over the Partridges; but if there be more than your Net will cover by their stragling, then draw forth another Net, observing the same method and joyning them close together, and after this manner you may do with a third, if occasion re∣quires. And having thus covered them, rush hastily into them, and with an affrighting noyse force them to Spring, and thereby they are en∣tangled and may be taken without hurt. And in this manner you may take them at all Seasons, [ 60] and in all places where they Haunt,