The gentlemans recreation in two parts : the first being an encyclopedy of the arts and sciences ... the second part treats of horsmanship, hawking, hunting, fowling, fishing, and agriculture : with a short treatise of cock-fighting ... : all which are collected from the most authentick authors, and the many gross errors therein corrected, with great enlargements ... : and for the better explanation thereof, great variety of useful sculptures, as nets, traps, engines, &c. are added for the taking of beasts, fowl and fish : not hitherto published by any : the whole illustrated with about an hundred ornamental and useful sculptures engraven in copper, relating to the several subjects.

THE COMPLEAT ART OF FOWLING.

PART IV.

Containing great variety of Experimental Secrets, for the taking of all FOWL both by Land and Water; by Bird-Lime, Snares, Traps, Nets, Engines, Bird-Calls, Decoys, Intoxicating-Baits; the Fowling-Peece, Stalking-Horse, Setting-Dog, Spaniels, &c. Illustrated with great variety of useful Figures, for the better Expla∣nation thereof.

CHAP. I.

The Introduction; Shewing what Fowling is, with the nature of the several sorts of Fowl; Their Haunts, &c. [ 10]

FOWLING is an Art for the taking all manner of Fowl, either by Enticement or Enchantment, as Calls, Intoxicating Baits, or the like, or else by Guns, Nets, Engines, Traps, Setting-Dogs, &c.

Now forasmuch as the Fowl on which this Art depends are various, and indeed numerous, so that to run into all the Particularities would [ 20] be Voluminous; therefore for the Practicioners ease and benefit, I shall comprize them under these two general Heads, viz. Water-fowl and Land-fowl.

Water-fowl may also be distinguished into two several kinds, that is, such that live of the Wa∣ter, and upon the Water, by gathering much of their food from thence, and Swiming for the most part on the surface thereof; and such as live of the Water, but not upon the Water, as by the gathering of most of their food from thence, but not Swiming upon the same, more than wading with their long Legs, and diving with their long Necks for the getting their food therein.

Such as live on the Water, are Wild-Geese, Swans, Mallards, Teyls, Curlues, Widgeons, Moor-Hens, Dab∣chicks; and generally all such that are Web-footed and I Swim. Those that live of the Water, and not on the Water, are Herons, Cranes, Bitterns, and any Fowl that hath his sustenance in the Water, and yet hath his feet Cloven, and Swimeth not. And there are some which may not improperly be termed Amphibious, as partaking of the Land as well as the Water; and such are the Sea-Pies, which are not Web-footed, and yet can Swim.

Land-fowl are properly those that have their sustenance and abode only on the Land; either in Woods, Coverts, Enclosures, Vplands, both Ara∣ble and Pasture; in Marshy Grounds, or by and near Houses, Hedge-rows, and High-ways; And these Fowl may be distinguished under the ge∣neral name of Fowl; and such are Pheasants,

Partridges, Heath-Cocks, Plovers, Lapwings, Wood Cocks, Snipes, Ring-Doves, &c. also small Birds, as Quails, Blackbirds, Thrushes, Starlings, Larks, Wheat-Ears, Chawfinches, Sparrows, with abundance of other sorts, too tedious to name.

Now for your better effecting the taking of the aforesaid Fowl and Birds, I shall first give you some Instructions how to know and find out their haunts▪ and then proceed to the seve∣ral [ 10] ways of taking them: But note, that by ob∣servation 'tis found, that Water-fowl are the sub∣••••les•• of Birds, and have the greatest regard to their own safety; whence it is that they are compared to a well governed Camp, having Scouts on Land afar off, Courts of Guard, Sen∣tinels, and such like watchful Officers, surround∣ing the Body, to give a speedy Alarm at any approach of seeming danger. And indeed, who∣soever shall observe their manner of living shall [ 20] find the same; for there will be always some stragling Fowl aloof of the main Body, which upon any suspicion of danger take Wing, and give notice to the rest▪ and it is the nature of Water-fowl, to fly in Flocks, loving Society. The like doth Starlings, 〈◊〉〈◊〉, Ringdoves, Plevers, Lapwings, ••aws, &c.

Of the Haunts of Fowl. [ 30]

THe greatest thing of moment for a Fowler to understand is the haunts of Fowl, and accordingly apply himself to take them. In order thereunto take notice, that all sorts of great Fowl that divide the foot, have their resi∣dence by the edge of Shallow Rivers, Brooks, Ri∣vulets, and ••lashes of Water, and these keep not in flocks together, but are single, or here and there a Couple together, which makes them dif∣ficult to be taken by 〈◊〉〈◊〉, or the like; but are [ 40] the best flights for River-Hawks that can be, e∣specially the H••••n, that takes the greatest delight in such like places, where he may wade and dive in for the getting of Fish for his sustenance. They also delight in low Marshy, S••dgy, and Boggy Grounds; likewise in the dry parts of drowned Fens that are overgrown with Reeds, ••ushes, and Sedge▪ and in such places the Bit∣tern naturally delights, as being a melancholy Fowl; they also delight in half drowned Moors, [ 50] and in the Vales of Heaths, or Downs, that is sheltered with Hedges, Bushes, or Trees, where they may obscurely lurk.

For the lesser Fowl, and such as are Web-footed, they frequent those Fenny and Moorish Grounds that are continually overflown, where they may sw••m free from disturbance of Ma•• or Beast; they also affect the man Streams and Channels of large Rivers, with swift and deep Currents; but the Wild-Goose, and the Barnacie, delight not [ 60] in any Water above their Sounding; for when they can't come to the bottom to suck up the ou•• or the fatness of the Water, they seek new places. They also greatly delight to feed on green Winter-Corn, especially where the Lands are low and drowned with Water wherein they may paddle and bathe after feeding.

The smaller Fowl do also delight to feed in drowned Meadows, Moors, and such like places; also upon Plashes, Meers, Lakes, and Loughs, which have the shelter of Shrubs, Reeds, and such like things for their preservation from dan∣ger.

As to the haunts of Pheasants, Partridges, Woodcocks, Snipes, Quails, and other Land-fowl, I shall speak of it when I treat of each in its proper place.

CHAP. II.

Directions for the making of Bird-Lime, and Lime-Twigs or Rods; and how to apply them to use for the taking of Fowl and Birds.

THe best Season for making of Bird-Lime, is between the tenth of June and the end of July, at which time the Sap is strongest and quickest in the Bark; but rather about Mid-summer Moon: And then take the Bark of Holly, put it into fair Water, and boyl it six or seven hours, and when it is so soft that you may pinch it through with your fingers, it is enough. Then take it off the Fire, peel away, the Inner white ••ind▪ which cast away, and the green Bark (which is for your use) lay in some damp and moist place, covering it over with green Weeds, and as they wither put fresh thereon; and thus do for about nine or ten Days, by which time the Bark or Rind will be all rotten, with a white ••oar over it. Then put it in a Mortar, beat it very fine like Green-Sawce; then wash it very well in Runing-water, to get out all the filth, making it into small Balls, the better to squeez out the filth with your hands in the Water. And to know when it is washt enough, it will swell in your Hands; and then keeping it still washing, it will fall a little, and be fine and white, which is a sign that 'tis enough.

Being thus washt, put it into a Stone-Pot, fill it about three parts, because it will work and swell, and keep it close covered to preserve it from the Dust: In three or four days it will have done working, and then keep it for use.

If you will have it for Water-Lime (which must be very strong;) then after it hath done working, as aforesaid, take what quantity you please, put it into a Skellet, to which put the like quantity of Venice Turpentine, as also the like quantity of Goose-Grease, with about half a quar∣ter of a Pint of Aquavitae; let these boyl gently on the fire, keeping it always stirring; and to know when it is enough, have a Pail of clean Water, in which put Halt a Crown; then put the Stick which you stir the Bird-Lime with down into the Water to the Half-Crown, and when it brings it up it is strong enough, so that you may

take it off the Fire, and put it into a Pot or Ports for use.

This Bird-Lime will never Freez, and therefore in the extremity of Frosty Weather you may use it in stead of the weaker for Land-fowl or Birds; And if for Water-fowl, so stick the Twigs in the Banks, and up and down the sides of the Ponds that about a handful of the Twigs be under Water, and if it toucheth but the foot, or the feathers of a Fowl, it will hold her. [ 10]

Of Rods and Twigs.

THe next direction shall be touching your Rods and Twigs, which must be bigger or lesser according to the strength of the Fowl you design to take; and of all others, those of Willow are the best, as being the toughest. You must also be careful how to plant your Twigs; for ex∣ample, for great Fowl they must be at least half [ 20] a yard asunder, almost upright, but with their Heads inclining from the River, for no Fowl will come up against the Rods; and you cannot plant less than two or three hundred in a place: In the morning early visit your Rods to see what Fowl are taken; and if none, then beat about the Banks of the Rivers, and the like places for about half a Mile compass, to force them to your Rods, if possible, against the next Night.

In large deep Ponds and broad Rivers where [ 30] you cannot handsomly fix your Rods, you may use this Device; fasten two Poles, on each side of the River one, and strain your Cord, which must be artificially daubed over with Bird-Lime, and let it remain a little above the Water; to facilitate which, tye at certain distances little Bundles of dry Rushes, or Pease-hawm handsomly compacted; and this Device will not fail to take good store of Fowl, especially Duck, if any frequent the place; and two or three times a day; especially Mornings, [ 40] Noons and Evenings see if any Fowl are taken.

To place Lime-Rods for the Land for taking small and Great Fowl.

YOu may plant your Lime-Twigs, or Rods on the Land, especially in Green Wheat for Pi∣geons or Partridges; and if the Weather be hard, for Wild Geese; but if you plant for heavy great [ 50] Fowl, your Rods or Twigs must be proportionable; and you ought to lie near hand concealed, that you may run in with your Spaniel on any occasion. Hares and Coneys may be also taken by this Device. You must place your Rods slope-wise, and the tops not above four or five Inches from the Ground, at about half a Yard distance, and as it were in Ranks.

The small and streight grownd Twigs cut from the Willow-Boughs are the best, and must be grea∣ter [ 60] or smaller according to the Fowl you design to take, but not very big that they may be plyable and wind about the Feathers of the Fowl they touch. These Rods or Twigs being thus prepared, let the upper part, or half, be daubed over with strong Bird-Lime which must be well melted by the fire and even laid on, that Fowl may not dis∣cern the Bird-Lime.

Being well acquainted with the Haunts and Feed∣ings of Fowl, either before Sun-Set, or before day, go with your Rods to the said places, and there pin down a Stale, that is, a live Fowl of the same kind you design to take, but with liberty to flutter up and down at pleasure; then round about it within a Foot of each other, prick down your Rods slopewise in ranges, some one way, and some ano∣ther, about a foot high; and the more Rods you have to stick down, the better success you will have. If you design to take Pigeons it were not amiss to have two or three of these Stales tied down; and near the said Rods scatter some grains of Corn, the better to intice them to the Rods. You must lie concealed, but in sight of the Rods, and you should have small Strings tied to the Stales runing along the Ground unto you, which by giv∣ing a twitch will cause them to stir; so that the other Fowl seeing, will light in amongst them, and if with conveniency not frightning away the others, you may take these that are entangled, if not, let them flutter and tumble amongst the Rods. For the better facilitating your Sport have a well taught Spaniel, that when any Fowl offers to get away, your Dog will bring them to you; for in Flocks, especially of Pigeons, there will be work enough for both.

It were convenient to keep some for Stales for the like occasion; And when your Sport is done, gather up your Rods or Twigs, bundle them up and keep them for further use; and thus you may do Morning and Evening during the Season of the Year.

To take small Water-Fowl with Lime-Rods.

THe aforesaid Rods may be used for taking Water-fowl, and then they must be trim'd, and sized out according to your use, and the depth of the Water; for the deeper it is the long∣er must your Rods be, and they must be trimmed with the strongest Water-Lime. For the placing these Rods stick them in the Water as you did those on the Land slopewise, and amongst your Rods here and there stake down a Stale or live Fowl, either Mallard, Teyle or Widgeon, as you can get; and place your Rods very thick, the better to take them. You need not watch your Rods as you do for Land-fowl, only visit them two or three times a day, as aforesaid, always having with you a good managed Water-Spaniel to find out those that are escaped with the Twigs, as for other uses.

For the taking of Wild Geese or Barnacles, which commonly feed and frequent together, their haunts must be found out; and their most certain place is upon Green Winter-Corn that is remote from Houses. Your Rods must be large for such great Fowl, and placed slopewise in Rows, about the Water-furrows, and in the midst, so that they can∣not come to the Water without touching them. Let the Rods be of a dark colour, resembling the Earth, and you should be near hand to make in, for when any of them are taken they will flutter, and the rest will take Wing; and if any do en∣deavour to escape (not b••ing throughly Li••••ed)

your Spaniel must retrive them whilst you take up those that are entangled.

To take small Birds by Lime-Twigs and the Lime-Bush.

FOr taking small Birds with Twigs, get up be∣fore Day, and go to their Haunts, and all a∣long the Hedges place your Lime-twigs, some up∣right, [ 10] some slopewise, and some cross, and at such thickness that the Birds cannot well pass in or out without being entangled. Having thus set the Twigs (which must be after the Birds are gon into the Fields to seek their Breakfasts) go into the Cornfields, or Meadows near adjoyning where they usually feed, and with a Pole beat or fright them up, and they will betake themselves to the Hedges for Sanctuary, and are so taken. This exploit is to be done about the Spring, in Harvest, and at [ 20] the fall of the Leaf; also early in the Morning and about Sun-set before they go to roost.

For the better taking the Birds get an Owl, and tie him in some part of the top of the Hedge, and the Birds seeing it, will come to gaze upon it, and so will become ensnared.

LIME-BVSH.

THe Lime-Bush is esteemed a very good way [ 30] to take Birds, which is thus done; Cut down an Arm, or chief Bough of any bushy Tree, whose Twigs are thick and long, yet smooth and streight, as the Birch, Aspen, Popler or Willow; then neatly cut off all the superfluous Twigs, and having your strong Bird-Lime well mixt and wrought together with Capons or Goose grease, warm and fit to work, daub over (of an equal thickness) the Twigs or Branches that are left with∣in about four fingers of the bottom, but the Body [ 40] and Arms must be free.

Your Bush being thus prepared and Limed, place it for the Spring season on some Quickset or dead Hedge near unto a Towns end, a Farm yard or the like; In Summer and Harvest in Groves, in Hedges near Confields, Orchards, Flax, Hemp, or Rape-Lands; and in Winter about Barns, Stables, and Stacks of Corn, where Chaff and Corn is scattered up and down.

Having set your Bush in any of the said places [ 50] according to the Season of the Year, place your self conveniently near at hand, where you may lye concealed; and in this Bush you should have about half a dozen Stales fixed, whose chirp∣ing and singing will intice others to the Bush; and it were not amiss if you were expert in their Notes to imitate them, which practice and due observ∣ance will bring you unto; and for the effecting it, be provided with Bird-calls which are of several sorts, some being made of Wood, others of Tin, [ 60] and others of Horn; also some of Vellom, and some of Cane, &c.

This Bush is also of excellent use in the Winter for taking Feldefares, which usually fly in great Flocks, and settle upon Trees; so that being pro∣vided with one or more of them which fasten up∣on Trees, and having fixed thereon some Stales, beat about the adjacent Grounds to raise them up, and when they espie the Stales they will light on the Tree and Bushes for Company, and so are taken.

These Birds do also resort unto Hedges for the Haws; so that it is good to fix your Twigs thick up and down in such Hedges with some Stales.

Also they use much Marshy low Grounds to get Worms; so that they may be taken with your Lime-Twigs set up and down slopewise as before directed.

How to take Woodcocks and Snipes with Bird-Lime.

IT is by observation found, that a Disease is half cured when found out: so likewise it is easie to ensnare any Creature or Fowl, if their nature is rightly understood, and what they delight in either for Food or Exercise. But these Birds are difficult to discover, lying close, and not resorting much together, especially in the Day.

The nature of the Snipe is to lye in Frosty-weather, when all Plashes are frozen, by the sides of Rivers, and always with their Heads up or down the Stream, and not thwart it; and for the finding them out, you must be expert in the knowledge of the colour of their Feathers.

The Woodcock doth usually lye on Banks by Hedges and Ditches, against the Sun; and note, that a Day after a Moonshiny-Night they will endure one to come better to find them, than after a Dark-Night, and the reason is, for that in Moonshiny-Nights they can see to feed, and will not be so still and watchful taking their rest.

Now for the taking them with Bird-Lime, you ought to be provided with about sixty or seventy Twigs, which must be exactly and smoothly Limed; and having found their haunts, which you may know by their Dung, which is generally in low Plashy places, and such as are subject to Weeds, and not frozen in Frosty-weather; and at such places set your Twigs more or less, as you think fit, at about a Yard di∣stance one from the other, and let them stand slopeing, some one way, and some another. If you design to see the Sport, you must lye con∣cealed. And if there be any other open place near to that where your Twigs are set, beat them up, or else set your Twigs also there.

'Tis said, that these Birds do put their Bills into the moist places of the Earth where they fre∣quent, and so jogging and moving them about disturbs the Worms, and cause them to come up, and so they become their Prey.

How to take Pigeons, Rooks, and Crows, upon new Plowed or Sown ground.

TAke a good quantity of small Lime-Twigs, or strong Wheaten-Straws of a good length which must be well Limed; these lay up and

down where they frequent, and they will soon be entangled therewith; and for the better draw∣ing them to your Twigs or Straws, you may be provided with two or three Pigeons tyed to the ground amongst your Twigs.

Another way to take Pigeons, Rooks or Crows, very pleasant. [ 10]

TAke some thick Brown-Paper, cut a Sheet into about 8 parts, and make them up like Sugar-Loaves, then Lime the inside of the Paper indifferent well three or four days before you intend to set them; then put into each Paper, towards the further end, two or three Grains of Corn, lay these Papers up and down the Ground, and as near as you can under some Clods of Earth, early in the Morning before they come to feed; for the quantity you may use your discre∣tion, [ 20] the more the better, about an hundred is in∣different. When they come to feed they will espy the Corn, and begin to peck them out by thrusting in their Heads; then are they hood-winked, for they can't get it off by reason it sticks so close to their Feathers; when they find themselves thus served they take Wing, and will fly bolt-upright until they have spent themselves, and then come tumbling down to the delight of the Spectators. [ 30]

If you use this Invention in Plowing time, in∣stead of Corn you may put into the Papers Worms, which will do as well.

CHAP. III.

Compositions and Baits for Intox∣icating [ 40] of Fowl.

THere are several Artificial Compositions and Baits for Intoxicating Fowl, and yet without tainting or hurting their flesh, so that it is unfit to eat; some of them I shall men∣tion.

Take a Peck, or a lesser quantity of Wheat, Rye, Barley, Pease, or Tares; to which put two [ 50] or three handfuls of Nux-vomica, and boyl them in Runing-water very well, until they are almost ready to burst; then take it off the fire, and when they are cold strew them upon the Land where you design to take the Fowl, and such that eat thereof will immediately be intoxicated, and lye as if dead, so that you may take them up at pleasure, provided you stay not too long (for the dizziness will not last long upon them, therefore be near at hand;) and it were not amiss [ 60] to kill them presently and take out their Intrals, although there is no great danger in it.

As the greater sort of Land-fowl are thus taken, so may you take small Birds, only making this alteration, that instead of Wheat, Pease, or the like Grain, you use Hemp-seed, Rape-seed, or Canary-seed, but above all Mustard-seed.

If you approve not of Nux-vomica, you may boil the said Grains or Seeds in the Lees of Wine (the stronger the better) as you did in the Run∣ing-water, and apply them to use as aforesaid, and it will work the same effect, being esteemed more wholsom, having nothing of that poysonous na∣ture in it; but in an hour or two the Fumes will be perfectly wrought off.

Instead of boyling the said Grains or Seeds in the Lees, you may steep them therein; but then they will require longer time before they are sufficiently swoln and fit for use.

Or instead of Nux-vomica, or Lees of Wine, you may infuse the said Grains or Seeds in the Juice of Hemlock, mixing therein the Seeds of Henbane and Poppy, or either of them. These must stand two or three days infusing, before they are fit to strew on the Ground for use, as afore∣said.

Having shewed you how to take Land-fowl, it will be necessary to give you some Instructions to take Water-fowl, especially at such times as they range up and down to seek their food on the Land; for effecting of which,

Take the Seeds, Leaves and Roots of the Herb called Bellenge, and having cleansed them from all filth, put them into a Vessel of clean Runing-water, and let them lye steeping therein at least twenty four hours, and then boil them in the said Water until it is almost consumed; then take it off the fire, let it cool, and scatter it in such places where the Fowl have their haunts; they will greedily eat it, so that they will become immediately in∣toxicated, and lie in a Trance as if dead; but you must watch them, for the Fumes will soon wear off.

Some do add to this Concoction the Powder of Brimstone boiled therein, which is very effe∣ctual.

For destroying Crows, Ravens, Kytes, and such like mischievous Birds, that are found injurious to Warrens and Parks for the killing Coneys and Lambs, as also Chickens: Take the Garbage or Entrails of any Fowl, or for want thereof of a Pig or Rabet; this Garbage steep in the Lees of Wine with Nux-vomica, and when it is well in∣fused therein, cast it forth in such a place where these Birds use to prey, or resort, which must be very early in the Morning, or in the Evening; and having a place prepared to lye concealed in near at hand, you may take those that are Intoxicated by the eating a bit or two of the said Garbage.

Or instead of the Garbage, you may take little pieces of flesh, and thrust therein a small piece of Nux-vomica, closing the place that it may not be discerned; and scatter the said pieces up and down where their haunts are, and it will do the same effect.

Having shewed how to take Fowl and Birds by intoxicating Baits, I will give a Receipt how recover them, that they may be made Tame.

Take a small quantity of Sallet Oyl, more or less, according to the bigness of the Fowl or Bird, and drop it down its Throat; then chafe its Head with a little strong Whitewine Vinegar, and it will soon recover, and be perfectly vvell.

[illustration]

SHOOTING FLYING

To the Honourable Thomas Fairfax Es•• eldest Son of y^e R^t Hon^bl▪ Henry Lord Fairfax of Denton in York-shire.

This Plate is humbly Dedicated by Richard Blome.

it in good Order, and for that purpose observe these few directions. Keep it always in a Case either of Wood or Cloth, in a dry place, for the Damp spoils and rusts it. Let your Lock be kept always clean and oyled, that the Cock, Hammer, and all the parts may be of a nimble Motion, upon the drawing the Trigger. Also a good Flint is of necessary use; and indeed the Fowler ought to be provided with several in his Bag, for fear of any Disaster of the other. The Barrel must [ 10] also be always kept clean; for if foul, it never carrieth true, besides 'tis subject to recoyl, which is dangerous; and it will occasion that oft times it flashes in the Pan a good while before it goeth off, by which means the Fowl are alarmed, and so es∣cape, with several more ill Conveniences that may attend.

You must also be well acquainted with the condition of the Gun, whether it be apt to scat∣ter, or carry the Shot round within compass, [ 20] that you may load her accordingly; for if you shoot at a Flock of great Fowl, then the Shot must be large, and there must be more Powder, and less Shot; and if you shoot at a single Bird, then less Powder and more Shot; for the former will scatter, and the latter fly close and compact.

Directions about Shooting.

IN Shooting, whether the Game be Flying, or on [ 30] the Ground, on a Tree or Hedge, always (as near as you can) endeavour to Shoot with the Wind, and not against it; and rather sideways or behind the Fowl, than in their Faces; and not at a single Fowl, if you can compass more with∣in your Level; and if on a Tree, Hedge, or the Ground, seek the convenientest shelter you can of Hedge, Bank, Tree, or the like, to be abscon∣ded from the Fowls seeing you, which is very offensive to them; and being within Shot, and [ 40] a fair Mark, lose no time but let fly.

A Spaniel of great use.

YOU must always have your Spaniel, which must be trained up for the Sport (of which more in the Chapter of Land-Spaniels) attend∣ing you very close, to fetch what you have Shot, as well those that are killed, as those that are maimed, and it may be all, or most of them [ 50] (especially Water-Fowl) are not to be convenient∣ly come at by you, so that they would be lost, were it not for the assistance of your Dog, who upon your word of command, immediately seeks them out, and brings them to you. And be sure to have your Dog in such Obedience, as not to stir from your Heels, until you have shot, and give him the word of command to go; for to rush forth too suddainly upon the first fire, or snap of the Cock when 'tis probably the Gun goeth not [ 60] off, as many mad headed Dogs will do, may be the loss of your Game by Springing them.

Shooting Flying.

IT is now the Mode to Shoot Flying, as being by experience found the best and surest way; for when your Game is on the Wing, it is more exposed to danger; for if but one Shot hits any part of its Wings so expanded, it will occasion its fall, although not to kill it, so that your Spaniel will soon be its Victor; and if well dis∣ciplined to the Sport, bring it to you.

For your better instructions herein, I shall lay down some few Directions. The Gun most pro∣per for this sport, should be about four Foot and a half long in the Barrel, and of a pretty wide Bore, something under a Musket. You should have your Gun always Cock't, in readiness with your Thumb over the Cock, for fear of its going off contrary to your intention; so that when you meet with any Game, you must be quick, and ha∣ving got an aim to your mind, let fly with all Expedition.

Some are of Opinion that you must Shoot something before the Fowl, otherwise it will be past before the Shot can come to it; but that is a vulgar Error; for no Game can fly so quick, but that the Shot will meet it; for the Shot flyeth as wide as about the compass of a Bushel, if right∣ly ordered in the Charging: Yet I am of the Opinion, if the Game flyeth as it were over your Head, that 'tis best to Aim at the Head; and if it flieth from you, to Aim as it were under its Belly. And 'tis found best to let the Game fly a little past you before you let fly; for thereby the Shot will the better enter the Body.

Your next business must be to be provided with one, or at the most two Spaniels, such that are ra∣ther slack metled, not ranging out of Shot, than those that are hot Spirited, to raise the Game be∣yond Shot, and withall such that are at good command, being Trained up to bring the Game, and tender Mouthed, so as not to tear and spoil them.

Now for your better sport, it were good to have a Companion also expert in this exercise, who must be provided likewise with a Gun; then let one go on the one side of a Hedge, or Field, and the other on the other, provided the Field be not too broad, and beyond the reach of your Guns to the midst thereof; then cast off your Spaniels to range about betwixt you•• 〈◊〉〈◊〉 near at hand, observing to follow their Motion, so that 〈◊〉〈◊〉 any Game is sprung up, you or your Companion may be in reach thereof; the like observe if you seek for Cocks or Snipes about Plashes. But above all things observe that you Train up your Spaniels, so that they may hunt not stragling, but in com∣pass.

If you design for Cocks, and in a Wood, you may use two or three Spaniels; and if you had three or four Men on Trees to observe▪ that when the Spaniels have Flush't any, he that seeth it, should say I have Marked, which gives no∣tice to him that Shoots to come, and make his Shot. If you design to kill Ducks, use no Dogs to Range, but only to follow you close behind, for those sort of Fowl will rise fast enough.

For your Learning to Shoot Flying, the Spring is the best time for Swallows or Swifts, and you will not miss of them in Church-Yards, and such like places.

This Method of Shooting Flying, may be per∣formed

also on Horseback, which is more commo∣dious and less Toilsom; but then your business must be to bring your Horse to good command, and to understand his Duty, which he may be soon brought unto, the chief thing being to stand still upon the least check of the Bridle, but chief∣ly not to start at the noise, or report of the Gun.

CHAP. V. [ 10]

Of the Stalking-Horse, with seve∣ral Artificial Engines, for the getting near to Fowl to Shoot them. [ 20]

FOr as much as Fowl do frequently lye re∣mote from Shelters, so that the Fowler is deprived of a Shot; Therefore by the Assistance of a Stalking-Horse, he may command a Shoot at pleasure, and to that end observe these Di∣rections.

Let your Stalking-Horse be of the largest size, 'tis no matter how old he be, but he must be [ 30] well Trained up for your purpose, and be at ready command; and whereas there is some Art in Reclaiming a Horse, which by Nature is Wild and Fearful of Noise and Fire, such as that which a Gun makes, (especially at that nearest unto him) therefore get a strong Chain, and fasten it about his Head, then tye him up to a Tree, and Fire your Gun near him, giving him your Encou∣ragement by Voice and Hand, stroaking him, and so continue Shooting near him several times; and although he continue his kicking and caper∣ing, yet in about a Weeks Exercise after this [ 40] manner, he will become so Gentle, as to permit you to Shoot under his Neck, without the least reluctance or stiring. But some are of the Opi∣nion, that during this teaching▪ the Horse must be kept waking in the Nights, and to Shoot un∣der his Neck as well as in the Day.

Having thus brought him to endure the Noise of your Gun, your next business must be to Train him up to go as you would have him, moving gently [ 50] and Feeding as he goes; and to stand still and Feed when you would, which must be done by Practice, and his observing your Motions, and Checks.

Now for this Exercise your Horse must be Na∣ked, that is, without Bridle and Saddle (for that will fright the Fowl, and cause them to take Wing) only to have a small slip, about six or eight Foot long, tyed about his lower Chap, where∣with you may guide him as you see cause; and [ 60] remember to contrive your self so, as to go just level with his Shoulders, for thereby his Fore-feet will guid yours; and be advised to take your Level, from before his Breast, and not under his Belly, for that is too open and often lays you to the View of the Fowl, whereby you lose them. By this means you may gently, cause him to move up and down, to Stalk over Rivers, on the Sea-shoar, in Moorish Grounds, Dry Lands, Stub∣ble Fields, or the like places; and as he moveth he will Feed: You must Shelter your self, and Gun behind his Foreshoulder, bending your Bo∣dy low by his side, and keeping his Body always full betwixt you and the Fowl. Then having cho∣sen your Mark, take your Level from the fore∣part of the Horse, which is more safe and surer than under his Belly, and less perceivable; for the Shoulder of the Horse covereth the Mans Bo∣dy, and his Legs the Mans Legs.

You ought not to endeavour the coming near∣er the Fowl than your Piece will carry, nor to discharge out of Distance; for by the latter you are sure to miss, and by the former you hazard the disturbing them.

Some are of Opinion that to Shoot over the Horses Buttocks is the best way, and others are of the contrary, holding it best to Shoot over his Neck; but these ways I think not so good, yet leave them to your Judgment, and to use which way you find best.

You must upon no Account be without your Spaniel, which must be so exactly Trained up, that he may lye by your side until you have made your Shot; for if you appear in View, the Fowl will never permit you to come near them; and when once you have Shot, then give him your word of Command to fetch the Fowl unto you, especially those that you can't come at, which with practice he will soon be expert in, for they are Creatures of a great knowledge, and ready Ap∣prehension, and naturally inclined to the Sport.

And for as much as Stalking-Horses are charge∣able to keep, and that you can't always have one at command, I shall furnish you with other cheap∣er Inventions, with the help of which you may approach near enough, to make a Shoot at the most coy Fowl that are.

An Artificial Wheel-Barrow for Stalking.

TAke a Wheel-Barrow made of light Fir for the purpose, and build it about with Boughs and Bushes, so that you sit in it, and not be discerned, and when you come where the Fowl are, move it very gently, that the Fowl may not discern it to disturb them, then Level your Gun through the said Wheel-Barrow, and Shoot kneel∣ing, your Spaniel being always in readiness, and at command to fetch your Game. But this In∣vention is something troublesome, therefore I shall proceed to some others more commodious.

The Stalking-Tree and Bush.

THe Artificial Tree is thus made: Take small Wands, or thin Splinters, foulded to∣gether in the shape of the Body of a Tree, and so covered with Canvass, and painted like the Bark of the Tree it represents, that it may not be discovered by the Fowl; of which the Pop∣lar and Willow that grow by the Rivers sides are the best, as being most known to the Fowl, and so the less to be suspected.

[illustration]

STALKING

To the Hon^ble. S^r. Henry Goodricke of Ribston Parke in Yorkeshire Knight & Bar^t. his Majesties Envoy Extraor∣dinary to the King of Spain. Anno Dom••. 1682/3;.

This Plate is humble dedicated by Richard Blome

Arthur Soly fecit ••683

Having made the Boal of the Tree, as aforesaid, in certain Holes made on the Top for that pur∣pose, stick in the Boughs and true natural Branches of the Tree which you would make, in such sort as they grow at that Season, according to this fol∣lowing Figure. [ 10]

[illustration]

[ 20]

As for the Stalking-Bush, it must not be so [ 30] tall as the Tree, but much thicker, and may be made either of one Bush, or of several neatly entangled and made fast together, and about the [ 40] height of a Man; and in the midst of the bot∣tom must be a small Stake, with an Iron-point, to drive into the Ground to support the Bush whilst you take your aim. This way is so easie, that there needs no further explanation.

The Stalking-Hedge.

THe Stalking-Hedge should be two or three Yards long, and about a Yard and an half [ 50] high, and made in small Wands, and bushed out in the manner of a true Hedge, with certain Sup∣ports or Stakes, to bear it up from falling whilst you take your aim to Shoot. And this is to be carried before you for your Shelter from the Fowl.

[illustration]

[ 60]

These dead Engines, which carry not the shape of a living Creature, are not so necessary and useful to stalk with, as for a Stand; for their seeing a dead thing move will cause apprehension of fear and danger in them, as some design a∣gainst them; therefore I shall give some Exam∣ples of such living Shapes whose motion is not strange unto them; and first of the Horse.

An Artificial Stalking-Horse.

TAke some old Canvass, cut it into the true shape of a Horse with the Head as if feeding; then paint it like a Horse of a Brown colour, which is best. It must be made so por∣table, that it may be easily carried with one Hand, so that it may be moved in such manner as if it grazed as it goes, nor must it exceed the usual bigness of a Horse; and to make it so light, it may be stuft with Straw. In the midst let there be fixed a Staff, with an Iron-pick in it, to stick down in the Ground at pleasure, and to stand fast whilst you take aim to Shoot, as also to turn and wind any way for the advantage of the Wind, or the like. This Figure shews its form.

[illustration]

There are some of Opinion, that the stuffing the Canvass thus out is not so good as unstopt, being more troublesom to command; but if un∣stopt, it must be artificially painted, and very thick, lest in the turning it against the Sun it appears transparent, which will affright the Fowl; and it must be proportionable to a Horse, being stretched out upon Splents of Wood, or strong Wier, This is so easie to be made, that it needs no Figure to explain it; and it were not amiss, if you cut a little Hole through the Shoulder-part, to level your Gun.

Instead of this Artificial Stalking-Horse, you may make in Canvass (either stuft or unstuft) the shape or proportion of a Cow or Ox, which must be also very well painted to the life, and according to the usual colour of Cattle in those parts, and be very exact in the Horns, to make them suitable to the Breed of that sort of Cattle there usual; and thus by the change of your Engines you may make your Sport the longer to continue.

If you design these Artificial Stalking-Engines for Fowl that flock together, especially Water-fowl, they will soon grow too crafty for those unstuft; but for Pheasants, Woodcoks, and the like, there can't be a more useful and cheaper

way than the unstuft; for when you have made a Shot, you may roul up your Engine, and keep it for another occasion.

To conclude this Chapter, observe this Cau∣tion, That these several sorts of Engines are to be used early in the Morning, or late in the Even∣ing, and they are more proper for Water than Land-fowl; for when the Sun is up, its reflections sooner discovers the Imperfections in your En∣gine, which the Water better hideth. [ 10]

CHAP. VI.

Of a Decoy-Pond, with some Di∣rections concerning the same, and Decoy-Ducks. [ 20]

THe Fifth Chapter teacheth you several ways to take Fowl by Stalking-Engines, for the getting near to Shoot them; I shall now speak of Decoys, by which means great store of Ducks and Teal are drawn into a Snare, and that by the subtilty of a few of their own kind, which from the Egg are trained up to come to hand for the same purpose. [ 30]

These Decoy-Ducks fly abroad, and light into the company of Wild ones, and being become acquainted with them, by their allurements do draw them into the Decoy-place, where they be∣come a prey.

The manner of doing it, and the making the Decoy-Pond, with the several Apartments belong∣ing to it, requires a long Discourse; nor indeed can any particular Rules or Directions be given therein, as being variously made according to the [ 40] Situation of the Place, which must be consi∣dered: so that such as would make any, had best inspect some already made, which are fre∣quent in divers Parts of this Kingdom, especially in Lincolnshire, Cambridg-shire, and such like Fenny Countries; for it must be Moist, Moorish, and Fenny Grounds, with the conveniency (if possible) of a River running through, or by it; so that I shall only say, that the place where these Decoy-Ducks entice them, must not be very [ 50] broad, and set on both sides thick with Osiers, and at the Top and Entrance must be Nets to let down by the Man that is to attend it, when he seeth the Ducks all entred in, by which means they become taken.

And great care must be taken, that the Nets are not let down until all are within the limits of the Nets; for if any should escape it would be very prejudicial, for such a Duck, or Ducks, would be shy of being drawn into the like Snare again, [ 60] which would occasion others in the Company to do the same, and thereby the Decoy would be much prejudiced.

CHAP. VII.

Directions for the making, choosing, ordering and preserving Nets.

BEfore I enter on the ways of taking Fowl with Nets, it will be necessary to give you some Directions touching the making, choosing, and preserving them, left the charge exceed the profit; for Nets are a dear and perishing Com∣modity, without due care in the well ordering them; and it were very good Husbandry if you, or any belonging to you, had the Art of making them, for some are very chargeable to buy. The Instruments or Tools required for the making them are Wooden-Needles, of which you should have about half a Dozen of several sizes, and as many Moulds of divers sorts, some round, and others flat; also a pair of flat Round-pointed Scissers, and a Wheel to wind off the Thread. It can't be expected to give Rules for the knitting or making the several sorts of Nets, but it is re∣quisite to be understood by every compleat Fowler, were it only for the mending them a∣broad as well as at home.

But a word or two concerning the making thereof: Let your Packthread be the best and evenest you can get, and greater or smaller, ac∣cording to the Fowl you design to take; the like must be the Meshes; for great Fowl, let the Meshes be about two Inches from point to point, for the larger they are (provided the Fowl can't get out) 'tis the better to entangle them. Let your Nets be not too deep nor too long, for that is troublesom to manage; let them be well verged on each side with a strong twisted Thread.

As for the Colouring your Nets, they should be either yellow, green, or russet; the latter is done by putting them in a Tanners-Pit, where they must lye until well coloured, and this Tincture is also an excellent preserver of them: The second colour is Green, which may be thus made; Take green Wheat, chop it, and boyl it in Water, and then rub your Nets therewith, and let them lye infusing therein about twenty▪ four hours; this is the colour that Birds least fear, as resembling the Grass. But to be more exact in this colour, it were well to have it done by some Silk-Dyer. The Yellow is done by steeping the Net in the Juice of Salandine, which being dried in the shade will become a good yellow; for it must not be over-bright, but of the colour of Stubble in Harvest time, for which Season this Colour is most proper.

For preserving your Nets, be sure to keep them dry; and to that end, hang them abroad in the Sun whenever you have used them in the Dew or Rain. And be careful to mend the least Rent or Breach upon the first discovery, lest it become worse; and be perswaded to hang your Nets from the Wall, to prevent their being injured by Rats and Mice, which are great Enemies to them. What

relates more to Nets, I shall speak of when I treat of each sort.

In the next place I shall proceed to the use of Nets for the taking Fowl and Birds, both for Ri∣ver and Land.

CHAP. VIII. [ 10]

Of the taking of Partridges with Nets, as also with Calls, En∣gines, &c.

PARTRIDGES are for the generality cowardly and fearful, likewise very simple, and easie to be deceived with Nets, Baits, Trains, [ 20] calls, Engines, &c. so that the taking them may be obtained by a Mans own and only labour and industry with great ease and pleasure.

The most usual ways are by Nets, Engines, Calls, by the Setting-Dog and Stalking-Horse; for as touching the killing them with the Hawk it is treated of in Hawking; therefore I shall omit it here.

In the first place, 'tis necessary to know their Haunts, which are not certain like Pheasants, but [ 30] various, yet the places they most delight in are in Corn-fields, during the time that it grows, or is standing, for under that Covert they shelter and breed, nor do they quit the Corn-fields after Harvest, for the Stubble, especially of Wheat, affords them shelter and food; but when the Stubble is soiled or trodden down with Cattle, then they forsake it, and betake themselves to the Barly-Stubble, and in the Furrows amongst the Clots, Brambles, long Grass, and Fog, hide [ 40] themselves and their whole Cov••ys.

Upon the approach of the Winter Season, when the Stubble-fields are broken up, or that it is trodden and spoiled with Cattle, they betake themselves to inclosed Grounds and Vpland Meadows, and take Covert under Hedges, a∣mongst Mole-hills, at the Roots of Trees, amongst Broom, and in the foggy dead Grass. You shall also find their Haunts all the Year long in small Cop∣pices or Vnder-woods, especially if adjoyning to [ 50] Corn-fields; also in Closes pestered with Shrubby-Bushes, Brambles, Broom, Fern, or the like Covert; also in the height of Corn-Harvest, when the fields are pestred with People and Cattle to di∣sturb them; they frequent the Fallow-fields all the Day, and early in the Mornings and late in the Evenings come thither to feed.

Having knowledge of their Haunts, according to the situation of the Country, whether Moun∣tainous or Plain, Champain or Woodland; and the [ 60] Season of the Year, whether Summer or Winter; Your next business is to find them out in their haunts, and where they lodge, and this is done divers ways; some there are that will find them out by the Eye, although they lye never so close couched together, distinguishing them by their colour from the Earth, which is an Art not to be taught, but only by practice; and in seeking them this way, make your approach nearer and nearer unto them until you perfectly discern them (provided you do not stand at gaze upon them) but keep in a continual motion, looking another way as if you saw them not; for they are a lazy and fearful Bird, and unwilling to take Wing.

Partridges may also be found out by their Haunts where they did last couch or lye; that is, whe∣ther the Haunt be Old or New, which may be thus known. If it be new, their Dung will be green and soft; also the padling with their Feet round a∣bout will be soft and dirty, and the Earth will ap∣pear new broken, and of a darker colour than that round about it, and if very new the place where they sat will be warm and the ground smooth, with some Down, or small Feathers scat∣tered upon it. If the Haunt be old and long for∣saken, the Dung will be dry and brickle, their Treading will also be dry, rough and hard, and of the colour of the rest of the ground; for the less dry, clean and soyled the Haunt is, the longer hath it been left; and the more moist, dirty, &c. the later was it since they were there.

If you find the Haunt to be new and warm, then be assured they are not far off, if not forced away be some disturbance; therefore be very care∣ful and move with leasure, having regard to the Furrows of the Lands, to the end you may not raise them, and there is no doubt but that you will find the Covey, and so soon as you do, imme∣diately wind off from them, and look not upon them but carelessly cast your Eye another way, and so fetch a large circumference about them, and lessening it by degrees until you have discovered them; and although they lye dispersed (as oft times they do) as being the nature of the old Ones to lye a little distance from the Covey, yet you need not fear the taking them.

To take Partridge by the Juck.

THere are others that find them out by go∣ing to their Haunts very early in the Morn∣ing, or at the close of the Evening which is called Jucking time, and there listen for the calling of the Cock-Partridge which will be very loud, and with no small eagerness, upon which the Hen will answer him and soon come together, which you may easily know by their chattering, and rejoy∣ing Notes, upon which take your Rang about them, drawing in by little and little to the place where you heard them Juck, and be sure to cast your Eye about, especially towards the Furrows, and without doubt you will soon discover how they lye, and accordingly proceed to take them.

To take Partridge with the Call.

IT is an excellent way to take Partridges with the Call, concerning the making of which, and the manner of using it, I shall speak of more a∣non.

With this Call having learnt their true and na∣tural Notes, and being expert to tune every Note in its proper Key; and arrive to the knowledge

of the due times and Seasons for every Note which are as various as the Pheasant, if not more; then being prepared with your Calls, go to their Haunts very early in the Morning, or late at Night, (the rest of the Day being inconvenient) and having placed your self secretly, so as to see and not be seen, as if in Wood-lands under some Bushes, Bram∣bles, or the like; If in the Champain, under some Bank or Ditch, If in Meadows, under the Hedges, and if in Corn-fields in the Furrews. Then listen [ 10] to hear them Call, and accordingly answer them with your Call in the same Note, always altering, or doubling it over more or less as the Partridge doth, until you find it draweth nearer and near∣er unto you, and not only one single Partridge will come, but all that hear it, as being so na∣tural to them.

Of the Net.

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,

The Tunnel-Net.

THe most usual way to take Partridge is with a Tunnel-Net, the form of which is here represented as extended and pitched.

[illustration]

This is a Net so well known, that it is need∣less to give any further description of it.

Having found out a Covy, take a compass, and so pitch the Net at a good distance from them, but sometimes farther, and sometimes nearer as the Ground falls out, and then surround them with your Stalking-horse, or for want thereof with the Artificial Stalking-horse or Ox, as in the fifth Chap∣ter treated of; and gently drive them towards the Net, not coming on them in a direct Line, but by windings and turnings, and sometimes standing still, as if the Horse graised. If in case the Par∣tridge make a stand, and look up, 'tis a sign they are afraid and intend to take Wing; therefore make a stand or a little retreat, and when you find them quiet after a little respite that they are busy in seeking for Meat (which is a good sign they are not afraid) you may move nearer; and if any single Partridge lyeth remote from the rest, he must be fetched in by taking a circumference about him, and thus they may be driven like as it were a Flock of Sheep into a Pen. But a live Horse made for the sport doth far exceed the artificial Stalking-Horse, or Ox.

The Wings of the Tunnel must not be pitched in a direct Line, but inclining to a Semicircle, when the Partridges are at the mouth of the Tunnel the old ones will stand a while as if to consider, but pressing gently on, some of the young ones will venture in, and then all the rest will follow, upon which make in apace to secure them from returning back and making their Escape.

Of the Spread-Net, or Drag-Net.

THere is another way to take Partridges with a Spread-Net, which by some is call∣ed a long Tramel-Net, the Figure thereof is here described.

[illustration]

The use of this Net is thus; a little after Sunset go into some Field, or place where you think to find sport, and there hide your self, and you will soon know if there be any by their Calling and Judging, and then they will take a small flight, and oft times two or three before they go to roost; and be sure to observe exactly the place where they roost, by making some Mark at a distance, to the end you may not be to seek the place in the dark, Then prepare two strait light Poles which must [ 10] be as long as the Net is broad, which to do well should be about fifteen or twenty Foot, and of a proportionable length; As to the Poles they need not be all of one piece, but of two or three, well fixed together fasten the Poles upon the ends of the Net with small Cords, and let the Tail of the Net have three or four little Cords fastned with small Bushes to trail on the ground, that the Partridges may be forced to spring up when they hear the rus••ling noise. They are represented by the Letters [ 20] M, N, O.

This Sport cannot well be performed without one to assist you; Then being near the place, unfold your Net where the Ground is clean, and being extended each must lay hold on the middle of the Poles, listing up the higher end of the Net about five or six Foot from the Ground, and letting the lower part follow slopeing about half a Foot from the ground. The Cords with the Bushes must drag on the Ground, and should not be above two foot [ 30] long. When the Partridges rise both must let go their hands, and let the Net fall on the ground upon them Sometimes it so falls out that the Par∣tridge rise before the Net be over them, which may be occasioned by the too great noise you make; therefore be as still as possible, and if so, then let them rest at least two or three hours be∣fore you attempt any thing again; then march o∣ver the whole Field with your Net ready set, and 'tis ten to one but you will meet with them [ 40] in the end.

This way is good only in dark Nights, there∣fore some use to carry a Light, or some Fire with them, which the Partridges perceiving believe to be Day-light, and are discovered by the noise they make in wakeing and stretching out their Wings; then they hide the Light and draw the Net over them.

How to take Partridges with Lime-Rods. [ 50]

TAke the largest and strongest Wheat-straw you can get, or for want thereof strong R••e-straw, cut them off between knot and knot, observing that the lowest joynts are the strongest and best. These Straws lime with the strongest Bird-Lime you can get or make, in doing of which observe the same way as formerly directed for pre∣paring your Lime-Rods. Then go to the Haunts of the Partridges and call them, and if you are [ 60] answered by them, then at some distance from you prick down these Limed Straws in several cross-rows, not only cross the Lands, but the Fur∣rows also, taking within your circumference two or three Lands; Then lie down close, and call again, not ceasing till you have drawn them to∣wards you, by which means they will be no soon∣er touched but intangled and besmeared, so that you may take them.

By the way take notice that this manner of taking Partridges is proper only for Corn-Fields, and chiefly in Stubble time. But if you would take them in Woods or Meadows with Bird-Lime, then use the ordinary Lime-Rods as before treated of, and order them as the Lime-Straws.

Taking Partridges with an Engine, or Dri∣ving them.

THe taking Partridges with an Engine is no less profitable than either of the other, and somewhat more delightful; you may use this way in any Grounds; The manner how to do it is thus, first make an Engine in the fashion of a Horse of Canvas stuft with Straw according to the ex∣amples of artificial Stalking-Horses already treat∣ed of.

Having this Engine and your Nets in readiness, go to their Haunts, and having found out a Covy, pitch your Net with the greatest advantage of secrecy you can, lying on the Ground that they do not see you until they are intangled; for by gen∣tle Steps you may steal upon them, and drive them before you, like as it were Chickens, provided you are not too hasty; If they run any By-way or contrary to that which you would have them, then cross them with your Engine, and they will presently run back into any Tract you would have them; and thus by a gentle and slow pace you may drive them into your Net. Be sure to take the advantage of the Wind. Let your Nets be pitched slopewise, and let your Face be veiled over with something Green or dark; Blue Sarse∣net is very good.

Several sorts of Pitfalls above and under Grond, for taking whole Covies of Par∣tridges, as well as single ones, or indeed any other Birds.

THere is a cheap invention for the taking of a Covy of Partridge, or any other Birds in Flocks, or single by a Pitfall. You are not o∣bliged to wait upon it, except to vvatch others from stealing your Game vvhen taken. The Engine is represented by this Figure.

[illustration]

It is composed of four Sticks, or pieces of Tim∣ber AB, AD, CD, and BC, each about three Foot long, and bored through within two Inches of the end, vvith a Hole big enough to turn ones middle Finger in. They must be placed on each other in a Square, and let into each other about half the thickness of the Stick; then take two Hazel tough Rods about the bigness of ones Finger, each four or five Foot long, which must be fixed in the forementioned Holes, crossing them over each o∣ther, [ 10] that their other ends may be fixed in the opposite Angels, as the Corner Sticks in Cages use to be laid; then you must have store of light strait Sticks, longer than each other by degrees, about the bigness of ones Finger, which you must compile one over another, the longest first and the shortest last up to the height of the crossing of the two Rods, so that the whole will resemble a kind of Bee Hive; but remember to leave a Hole at the top, to be covered or uncovered with [ 20] some Stone, or the like, to take out the Birds when they are in the Pit-Fall. You must at last bind the end of your Sticks to the two Rods with Oziers, strong Pack-Thread, or small Cords, and this is all that belongs to the Pit-Fall. But for the erecting or tilling it up do thus. Take a Stick FG, Three Foot long, and the bigness of ones little Finger, which must be smoothed above and below; then tie the end F, with a little Cord to the middle of the foundation Stick AB, the [ 30] other end of the Stick FG, must have a small Notch in it about two Inches from the end. The next thing is to provide another Stick IK, about a Foot and a half long, with a small Cord fixed on the upper end thereof, where you may place another little Stick GH, half a Foot long, having the end G shaped like the sharp end of a Wedge, the lower end of the Stick IK, must be fixed in∣to the Earth, which being done, the fore part of the Pit-Fall DE, will come to be lifted up, and then place the end H, of the little Stick HG, [ 40] under the Cage to support it, and the other end shaped like a Wedge into the Notch of the Stick FG; then let the Pit-Fall rest gently on it, and it will be ready set with one side lifted up about a Foot high, and the Stick FG, will be about three In∣ches from the Ground; then strew your Bait under the Cage. If you are certain there is a Covey vvhich frequents any Ground, if you can entice them to feed in one certain place but two or three times, you may then plant your Pit-fall [ 50] vvith good success. The same Pit-fall will serve to take small Birds, Hares, Rabets, or Vermin.

Directions to take old Cock Partridges, with Natural and Artificial Calls, with Di∣rections to make them.

THis way of taking them is laborious, and requireth much exactness in imitating their [ 60] several Voices, and at last you can pretend to take but one at a time, however that there may be no deficiency, in giving you the secrets in this Art of Fowling, I shall shew you several ways to take Partridges with Calls.

You must know that Partridges begin to pair, or Couple about February, or the beginning of March, if the Weather be not cold, and do continue in their Woings until the end of July.

It hath been the Opinion of several, that one Hen will fly to the Call of another, moved thereto through jealousie and fear of losing their Cock; and that they fly on purpose to beat that Hen that calleth; but there is no such thing, the occasion of this Error hath proceeded from hence, that there are some Cocks that call just like Hens.

This Sport may be practized every day, during the aforesaid Woing Season, from Day Break, until Sun Rising, and from Sun Setting until Night. This ensuing Figure doth represent the manner how to take them.

[illustration]

Suppose the space from H to J, be a Hedge that encloseth some piece of Wheat, Barly, or other Grain, set your Hen Partridge in a fine o∣pen thin Wyer Cage, so as she may be seen at a good Distance, but not the Cage, the Letters T, V, X, is the place where she must be placed, then pitch your Net called a Hallier, quite round, as you see it formd by the Letters, K, L, M, N, O, P, Q, R, S, each part distant from the Cage about twenty Foot, then retire behind the Hedge; if any Cock Patridge in the Ground Call, the Hen will presently Answer, nor will the Cock fail to come unto her, and sometimes five or six will come together and fight with each other just un∣der the Net, which of them shall have the Hen, until at length some of them find themselves entan∣gled: In this case you are not presently to sally forth, for peradventure some more may be like∣wise ensnared; nor can they soon disintangle themselves.

I shall give you one caution to save a great deal of pains, that is, never pitch in any place but where you have heard some Cock call; and then to pitch within sixty or eighty Paces of him, that they may be within hearing of each o∣ther.

Let your Cage be coloured green, and let the Bars be at such a distance, that the Hen may thrust out her Head and Neck to hearken and Call; and if you have well Trained her to this sport, she will be industrious at it.

How to make Artificial Calls.

YOU have had Instructions as to the Natural Calls, now follows to speak of Artificial ones, with directions how to make them; these following Figures do represent the Forms thereof.

[illustration]

The first sheweth the Outside, and the second [ 10] the Inside, they are best made of Box, Walnut∣tree, or such kind of hard Wood, and formed as you see like a Boat, and about the bigness of a Hen Egg, with two ends AB, bored through from end to end; and that about the middle DC, there must be a Hole about the bigness of a Sixpence hollowed within to the bottom; then [ 20] have a Pipe of a Swans Quill, and the Bone of a Cats Foot opened at one end, which you must convey into the Hole A, and so thrust it on to the opening D, the other end of the Bone A must be stopt; then take a Goosquil opened at both ends, which must be put in at the Hole B until the end C be near the end D of the Bone, and that blowing at the end B, you make the Noise of the Cock Patridge, which varieth much from the Call of the Hen; and you must remove further, or nearer the end C of the Quill, from [ 30] and to the end of the Bone B, until you have found out the exact Note, for it is not soon done, your Call being fixed, and that you are expert in the Notes, get a Net called a Pocket Net, the form of which is here described.

[illustration]

To this Net fix a pliant Stick of about four or five foot long; and so you may go abroad early in the Morning, and late in the Evening, or as occasion serves, when you hear a Partridge Call, the manner of pitching the Net, and the placing your self, is represented in the said Fi∣gure; for Example, suppose you heard the Par∣tridge Call at A, then hide your self flat on your Belly at B, having planted your Net just in the Way or Furrow, betwixt your self and the Partridge, but within ten or twelve Foot of the Net, especially if there be any Bush or ad∣vantage of Ground to shelter you. The way to set the Net is thus; Tye the Packthread, Num∣ber 1, which passes into the Buckle Number 2 of the Net, unto the end of the Stick, which must be stuck in the Ground, and so bending it like a Bow, fasten the other end of the said Stick in the Ground on the other side or Furrow, having in like manner tyed to it the end of the Packthread Number 3, which passeth through the Buckle Number 4, so that the two Buckles 2 and 4 may come pretty near each other; then take one end of the Pocket-Net, Number 5 or 6, and cast it over the bended Stick, so that it may lye thereon, the other end may hang on the Ground in such manner, that if any thing endea∣vour to pass by that way, it must needs run into the Net. Every thing being in order, and that you heat the Partridge Call, you must return two or three Answers louder or softer, according to the distance from whence you hear the Call, and only so loud as to be heard, and the Par∣tridge will presently make near you; then give him a soft Call; when he has answered your first Call he will begin to run, and coming near the Net will make a little pause, and forthwith rush on so that the upper part will fall on him and entangle him, then take him out; and after this method you may take several. But this way of taking them lasts only during the time of their Breeding, which is in April, May, June, and [ 40] July.

Another way to take Partridge with the Call, and a Broad Net.

HAving found out the Partridges by your Call, as aforesaid, pitch up your Broad-Net, which should be about fourteen or fifteen Yards long, and seven or eight deep. This Net spread over the Ground near them, the length-ways [ 50] to them; then peg down the Net to the Ground on all sides, except that towards them, and that raise up in the midst by a Stick about four Foot long, with a Notch in the Top, the better to hold the Line of the Net from slipping, and bend the Stick from the Net to make it the stiffer, which Stick must be thrust into the Ground, the better to hold it.

Your Net being thus fixed, you must have [ 60] either a Natural, or an Artificial Stalking-Horse, to drive them into the Net; but I hold the Natural one the best, which must be one that is trained up for the Sport, as already taken notice of in the fifth Chapter.

Directions to take Partridges in hard Frosty-weather with Slipping-Knots.

IN hard Weather, whilst the Snow is on the Ground, and that Birds are very hungry, make your search in small Coppice-Woods, and in Corn-Lands, especially near little Springs where the Snow doth commonly lye; and if you find, [ 10] that either by the tracts of their Footing, or by their Dung, that they have been there; then cleanse away the Snow about thirty Foot square, and your small Hed••e, as before directed, thwart the Lands that are sowed, and in the bottom of each Furrow plant the Snare, or Runing-Loop of Horse hair, just the height of the Partridges Neck; then strew a little Oats or Barley on both sides the Hedge, and let it be ready fitted by Sun-set, and by Morning you may expect to take [ 20] some, especially if you had given them a Bait twice or thrice before; for the expectation of finding food will entice them to come.

The same Art may be used when there is no Snow; if you are sure the Partridges frequent any certain place, and if it be Pasture-ground, it is then in vain to make your Hedge rows; you need only in that case to plant the little Stakes confusedly up and down in good quantities, with little Runing-slips and Loops, and throw some [ 30] Grains of Corn near every one of them. I will not say you may take a whole Covey; but questionless if a Covey light amongst them, you will take the greatest part.

If you plant these Devices in April, May and June for old Cock Partridges, you must then be sure to make a kind of a Slopeing in your Passage where your Collar is placed, that the Partridges may be forced to stoop with their Heads; for else they run at those times to Couple with each [ 40] other, and then carry their Heads aloft; and without this Caution you will not take one in an hundred.

I should here speak something of the Setting-Dog; but by reason I design a Chapter for that purpose, I shall omit it here.

CHAP. IX. [ 50]

Directions for taking Pheasants several ways.

PHEASANTS, as well as other Fowl, are to be taken divers ways. I shall name those in most use, which are performed with the Gun [ 60] and Spaniel, with Nets, with the Call, with the Lime-Bush, or vvith particular Engines, of which there are divers kinds, and of sundry shapes, ac∣cording to the Season of the Year they are to be used in, and the manner of the place in which they are to be used.

Pearching of Pheasants, and Shooting them.

YOu must be provided with a good Spaniel, that will Range well about, and when he hath Pearched the Pheasant, to Bay soundly, which vvill cause them to keep the Pearch the better; then hearing whereabouts he is, make up to him as privately as possible, and having espied him (being at a reasonable distance) make your Shot; and for your Dogs encouragement, let him bring it to you, and make much of him.

For your Dog, it may be either a Land or Water Spaniel, or one betwixt both, provided he is trained up to a Gun, and to bring his Game to you.

If you desire to take them in the Night (pro∣vided it is Moon-shine) the places where they usually Pearch (if it be Windy) are upon the lower Boughs, near the Body of the Tree; but if in a clear and fair Night, or although a little Rainy they will set at the further ends of the Boughs; and when you find them, make your Shot.

You may have a Dog to fetch them to you, in case they are not killed dead, but run away, as having broken a Wing; but your Dog should not Bay and make a Noise, as in the Day.

They are to be found in Corn-fields and Hedge-rows at other times, vvhere they may be Shot and Pearched, as aforesaid.

Taking Pheasants with Nets.

FOr the taking Pheasants vvith Nets, vvhich is only in Crowing-time, that is, about the end of February, and in March, before they begin to breed: It is done either generally, or particu∣larly. Generally, vvhen the vvhole Eye, that is, both the Old Cock and Hen, vvith all their young Ones, or Powts, as they flock and run together in the thick Woods or Coppices, are taken; or Particularly, vvhen you take none but the Old, and such of the Young as are of Age fit for Coupling, so that you can't have any assurance vvith your Nets, to strike at more than one or two at a time; for the Pheasant is of a Melan∣choly and Sullen disposition, and when once they have Coupled do not accompany in flocks as other Birds.

Now for the greater facility of taking them you must be acquainted with their Haunts, and their usual places of Breeding, which are in thick young Coppices well grown, and free from the annoyance of Cattle, or the Path-ways of Men; for being of so fearful a Nature, they esteem the strength of their Covert their only safety, and do not abide or breed in open or plain Fields, nor under the Covert of Corn-fields, low shrubby Bushes, or in large and tall Trees.

Having found their Haunts, the next thing will be to find out their Eye, or Brood, vvhich may be done several ways; But take notice that Pheasants do usually come out of the Woods and

[illustration]

PEARCHING the PHEASAN••

To The Right Hon^ble: Kenneth M'Kenzie Earle of Seafort: Lord M'Kenzie, & Kentaill, Baron of Ardelu, Islandonan, & Lews, Shiriff principall of the Shires of Ross. & North Nass. &c.

This Plate is humble dedicated by Richard Bl••me.

Arth▪ Soly fecit

the aforesaid Game off from their ovvn Ground, yet would be glad to preserve them for their own use, and so to manage the Game, that they might always have some thereon as vvell to please them selves, as to delight a Friend that desires to see some Field Sport; for the benefit of such, this follovving Invention is very proper and Delight∣ful. When you perceive an Eye of Phesants, or Covey of Partridges to Haunt such a Ground, go thither, and in some place thereof distant from a∣ny [ 10] Hedge, Bush, or Gate, about forty or fifty Paces pitch up four Sticks, each a Foot long in a Square; and in the middle of the Sticks scatter four or five handfuls of Oats, Barly or Wheat; and as you walk through the Ground from the Sticks, scatter a few Corns, which may serve as a Train to draw on the Game, to the great heap in the midst of the Sticks. The Pheasants or Partridges coming to feed according to their use, vvill soon find out the Train, and consequently the great Bait. The [ 20] next Morning they vvill not fail to return thi∣ther in hopes of another Repast, against vvhich time let it be laid ready for them, and pitch up by every one of the four Sticks a Bush of Furz; if they eat the second time (vvhich you may discern by their Dung) notwithstanding the Furz Bushes, then against the next coming cross some Lines of Packthread in Form of a Net, and if for all this they come and Eat, you may be as∣sured to take them vvhen you please, with this [ 30] following Device.

Take away the Sticks, Furzbushes, and Pack∣thread, and then pitch the Net as is here des∣cribed.

[illustration]

The four main Supporters of the Net, A, B, C, D, must be fixed strong in the Ground, that the Net may be light spread on the Top. The four Sides of the Net must be ordered in the same manner as shall be now directed by the Example of one of them, according to the de∣scription in the said Figure. Lift up the Side of the Net designed by the Letters E, F, over the Top of the Net that is spread; for the Side must not lye flat, but stand sloping like a Pent-House supported by small Twigs; the Bottom fastned in the Earth, and the Cord or Verge of the Net resting on them; then place the four Furz-Bushes at each Corner of the Net, the more to embol∣den them; and be sure the Runing Cord of the Net be exact and right, the two Ends whereof must be tyed to a strong Cord, designed by the Letter G, which Cord must reach to the next Bush or Shelter where you lye concealed, but within view of the Net. When all is fixed, spread your Bait as formerly; but try once or twice how the Net will draw, that upon occa∣sion all may be in good Order. The best time to wait their coming is at Day-break, when they are all busie in Eating the Bait; then draw your Line with a quick Motion, and presently fix it to the Bush where you are, and make all possible haste to the Net, to prevent their esca∣ping.

If you have a desire to preserve a Breed in your Grounds, then kill the Cocks and keep the Hens until towards Lent in some convenient Room, and then put them out into your Grounds, and they will soon find Cocks for a Breed.

To take Pheasants without hurting them, for preserving the Breed.

[ 40] FOr taking some alive without hurting, for the storing your Grounds, or accomodating a Friend; having found their Haunts (which is easie to be done by their Calls, Crowing, and little Paths which they make, especially in the Dew) then place your self for the better view on some Tree without Noise; and when you find they are there, strew a little Barley, Oats, or Wheat in those little Tracts for a Train, and in some likely place lay five or six handfuls together, to which they will come, as being drawn thither by [ 50] the Train; then provide for them after this man∣ner: Plant your Pocket-Net, described by the last Figure in the Eighth Chapter, the Use of which is in the said Chapter at large treated of. You may set two or three of them in other places, and plant cross their Walks some short Nets, called Pocket-Hayes, made as here described; [ 60]

[illustration]

They are about a Yard long, and sixteen Inches deep. You may also in other Paths place three or four of your Collars of Horse-hair in certain fit Passes athwart their Paths, to take them by their Legs, and be sure to watch out very narrowly; the first that is taken will strug∣gle hard to get off, so that speed is required to prevent it; he will also make a great Cry, which may occasion the frighting away the rest that are near at hand, so that nimbleness is required; [ 10] besides, if any be taken by the Strings, they will hazard the breaking the Lines and their own Legs; and you should not forget to Bait the Passes to the several Snares.

Of Driving of Pheasant Powts.

FOr the Driving and Taking young Phea∣sants, called Pheasant Powts, in Nets, ob∣serve these Directions. [ 20]

Having by your Diligence and Skill found out an Eye of Pheasants, place your Nets cross the little Pads and Ways that they have made, which are much like Sheep-Tracts; and if possible, you should find out one of their principal Haunts, which may easily be known by the bareness of the Ground, their Mutings, and the Feathers that will lye scattered about; and always take the Wind with you, for it is their custom to run down the Wind;) place the Nets hollow, loose, [ 30] and Circular-wise, the Nether part thereof must be fastned to the Ground, and the Upper-side lying hollow, loose, and bending, so that when any thing rusheth in, it may fall and entangle it.

Having so sixt your Nets go to the Haunts, and with your Call, if you find the Eye scattered, Call them together; and when you find that they begin to Cloock and Peep one to another, then forbear Calling, and take an Instrument, [ 40] called by some a Driver, which is made of good strong white Wands, or Osiers, such as Basket-Makers use, which must be set in an Handle, and in two or three places; it must be twisted or bound about with small Osiers, according to this Figure.

[illustration]

With this Driver, so soon as you see the Pheasants gathered together, make a gentle Noise on the Boughs and Bushes about you, which will so fright them, that they will get all close together, and run away a little distance, and stand to hearken; then make the same Noise again, which will cause them to Run again; and observe the same way until you have driven them into your Nets, for they may be drove like Sheep. But if it happen that they take a contrary way, then make a raking Noise, as it were in their Faces, which will presently turn them the right way, as you would have them.

Observations in Driving.

IN using the Driver there are two chief things to be observed; The first is Secrecy, in keeping your self from their sight, for if they espy you they will run and hide themselves in Holes under Shrubs, and will not stir till Night: And the other thing is Time and Leasure; for rashness and too great haste spoils this, and in∣deed any other Sport.

To take Pheasants with the Lime Bush, or Lime Rods.

IN taking Pheasants this way, you must know their Haunts; and be provided with good strong Bird-Lime, and trim them therewith according to Art.

The Lime Bush used for this purpose should not contain above eight Twigs, and should be the Top Branch of a Willow-Tree, with an indiffe∣rent long Handle, made sharp to stick into the Ground, or into some Shrub or Bush; and it were not amiss if you planted your Bush near that Branch of a Tree that the Pheasant useth to Perch upon; and you should be furnished with two or three of them, to fix up and down for the surer taking them.

The use of the Lime Bush.

WHen you have placed these Lime Bushes, take forth your Call, and use it as before [ 50] directed, keeping your self secretly and in one place, until you have enticed them about you; which will not be long, if your Call is good, and that you are expert therein: And as they are taken by the Rods on the Ground, so you will surprize them with your Bushes; for being scared from below they will take Perch, as is natural unto them, to see what becomes of their Fel∣lows; and when one is Limed, what by her striving and strugling, and by the rest coming [ 60] and gazing, to see what is befallen her, the rest will be in danger of being Limed.

It is the nature of old Cock Pheasants when you call, to come flying from Pearch to Pearch till they come near you, and not to run upon the Ground, especially in the Winter Season, which is the chiefest time for the using the Lime Bush, and as soon as they light on any of those

Pearches where your Lime Bushes are placed, upon the least touch they will be taken.

It is very requisite to count all your Lime Rods; for when you have gathered up all the Pheasants, and see what Rods are wanting, you may conclude that some Pheasants are run with them into the Bushes; so that it will be necessary to have a good Staunch Spaniel, that is well trained up to hunt, and bring his Game to you with a soft Mouth without hurting it. [ 10]

The Form of the Lime Bush and Rods.

[illustration]

[ 20] THese Rods, as well as the Bush, may be placed upon Bushes, Shrubs, and Trees, as well as upon the Ground, and in any open place [ 30] where any Bird must pass from one place to another.

The Lime Rods must be set slope-wise, and for the generality cross one another, and not only one way, but the quite contrary way, so that the Points be severed agood distance from one another, and place them in Rows; which being duly obser∣ved, no Fowl can come any way but they must be in danger of touching: And, for a Caution, place them not too thick, for that will occasion fear in [ 40] them, so that you will lose your labour.

The Season to be observed for the use of the Nets, Lime Bush, and Rods.

THe Use of the Nets is from the beginning of May till the latter end of October.

The use of the Lime Bush, and Rods, is for the Winter Season; viz. from the beginning of No∣vember [ 50] until March or April, so that there is no time of the Year (but their Breeding time) but that they may be taken in.

To take Pheasants with a Cocking-Cloth, in Crowing time.

TAke a Cloth of course Canvas about an Ell square, which put in a Tan-Pit to colour [ 60] it, which vvill be soon done; then hem it about, and to each Corner of the Cloth sow a piece of Leather about three Inches square, and put two Sticks to go cross-wise to keep it out, as A, B, C, D, and there must be a Hole in the Cloth to look out of, as E; the Figure describeth it.

[illustration]

And being provided with a small short Gun, when you are near enough hold out the afore∣said Cloth at Arms end, and put the Nosel of the Gun out of the Hole, which serves as a Rest for the Gun, and so let Fly, and you will seldom miss; for Pheasants at this time will let you come near them, and the Cocks will be so bold as to fly at it.

In this Season the Pheasants use Hedge-rows and Coppices, and by their Crowing you vvill know where to find them.

Another way to take Pheasants.

BY an experenced Sports-man amongst divers ways to take Pheasnts, this following way is found most Effectual for the taking them in the Winter-Season, provided there is no Snow.

Be provided with a Net in the shape of a Cast∣ing-Net, but larger, with the Meshes about five Inches wide. Then take some Pease or Wheat, and knowing their Haunts, which will be in young Coppices about three or four years growth, and in such places seek out their Paths and their Drop∣ings, that is, their Dung; these Paths generally lead from the Young Coppices to those that are Older; and having found any Path out, lay a∣bout a Pint of the Corn in a place, observing where you lay it, so that they may come to eat. Thus do for several days for about a Fortnight, by which time they will be so accustomed to it, that they will come to expect some Food; and by this means all or most of the Phesants in that part will be gathered to it. Having thus trained them to it, and that you certainly know when you come in the Morning that they have been there, which you will find by their Eating, and by their Dung: Then in such places set your Nets, that is, one in a place, which is thus done. Tye the Top of your Nets to a Bough, then spread it at the Bottom and Peg it down to the Ground on all parts except one, which must be raised up a∣bout a Foot and an half, like an Arched Door, with an Ashen-Stick; then fix to the said Arch several Rods made of Hasel, with the Taper Ends to the Earth within the Net, so that the Phesants may come in by parting the Sticks, but not go out a∣gain.

Having thus set your Nets, which must be made of course Thread, such as Rabet Hayes, and of a Tand-colour (by putting it into a Tan-Pit,) cover your Nets with Boughs, to prevent others from finding them, and be sure to set them some distance in the Wood.

CHAP. X. [ 10]

How to take Quails, More-Powts Rails, &c. with Calls; with di∣rections to made the said Calls; as also with Nets. [ 20]

THe best way to take these Birds as well as those aforesaid, is to know their Haunts, and to learn their perfect Notes on the Call.

The Quail delights in Corn-Fields and Mowing-Grass. The More-Powt in Heaths and Forests, and the Rails in long Standing-Grass, where they may lye obscure.

Quails are to be taken by Calls, whilst they are in their Wooing, which is from April to August. [ 30] The Quail will Call at Sunrising, about Nine a Clock, about Twelve, about Three in the Afternoon and at Sun-set. The Notes of the Cock differ much from the Hen, so that you must be expert in both if you intend to do any good in taking them; and when you hear the Cock Call, Answer in the Hens Note, and so contrary-wise Answer the Hen in the Cocks, and thus you will have both come to you, so that you may cast over your Net and take them.

If it be a single Cock-Quail he will come at the [ 40] first Call; but if he have a Hen with him, he will not forsake her. Sometimes you shall hear only one to answer your Call, yet Three or Four will come to the Net, so that you need not make too great hast when you find one entangled, for in a short time some more may be taken.

Quails are a neat cleanly Bird, and will not much run in Dews or Wet Places, but choose ra∣ther to fly, that they may not dirty themselves; you must therefore at such times place your self [ 50] as near your Net as possible.

If by Accident the Quail passeth by one end of the Net, lye close for some time and let her go a little way, then gently remove your self on the o∣ther side of the Net, and Call her back again, and she will soon come to your Net.

The Form of the Calls, and how to make them are as follows.

[illustration]

THe first is made of a Leather-Purse, about two Fingers wide, and four long, in fa∣shion like a Pear; It must be stuft half full of Horse-hair in the end marked with the Figure 5, fasten a small Device marked C, made of a Bone of a Cats, Hares or Coneys Legs, or of the Wing of a Hen, which must be about 3 Fingers long, and the end C must be formed like a Flagelet, with a little soft Wax; also put in a little to close up the Hole A, which open a little with a Pin, to cause it to give the clearer and shriller Sound. This Pipe fasten in your Purse, and then to make it speak hold it full in the Palm of your Hand, and place one of your Fingers over the place, marked 5; you must strike on the place D with the hinder part of your left Thumb, and so to counterfeit the Call of the Hen Quail.

The other Quail Call must be 4 Fingers long, made of a piece of Wyer, turned round in such form as the Figure describes. It must be cover∣ed over with Leather, and one end thereof closed up with a piece of flat Wood marked 2; about the middle you must have a small Thread, or Leather-Strap wherewith you may hold it, so as to use it with one Hand, and at the other end place just such a Pipe, as was described before in the making up the first Call.

Now for the Calling with it, hold the Strap, or piece of Leather, with your left Hand close by the piece of Wood No. 2. and with your right Hand hold the Pipe just where it is joyned to the Flagelet No. 3.

The Net to be used should be made of [ 60] Silk, or very fine Thread, about Twelve yards square, with a Hole in the midst, large enough to sit in, so that when the Quail comes within the Compass of the Net, your rising up will cause her to fly, and so she will be taken: The places to pitch these Nets must be in Corn-Fields, as Barley, Oates, or the like.

Another way to take Quails.

THere is another way to take Quails with the same Calls, but with a different Net, made also four Square, about Twenty or Two and Twenty Foot every way, and of Green Silk or Thread, with a couple of strong Straps at any two of the Corners. There must be two in com∣pany to use it, and each must hold one of the [ 10] said Straps, when they use the Net, and so to draw it over the Quails, the bottom hanging a liltle on the Ground. The manner is that when you hear any Quail Call, listen exactly where∣abouts it is, and go softly thither; if it Call no more, give it a light touch with your Pipe, to make it speak. This way is most fit to be used in Standing-Grass, or in Stubble-Fields.

You must have a nimble Ear to discern the place, and so go thither with your Net drawn, [ 20] and when you are just at it, let fall, and beat with your Hat, or the like, to cause it to rise, and by this means you may take many in a day.

If you are alone then pitch your Net in such manner as the Fore-part may rest clear from the Ground about Eight or Nine Inches by the help of the Benty-Grass, or some small Sticks; then give a Call, and they will come under the Net. [ 30]

CHAP. XI.

Concerning the taking Birds great and small, especially Wild Fowl with Lines, Springs, Strings, Bird-Lime, &c. in Woods, Meadows, [ 40] Splashes and the like.

WHen you have found out any place where Fowl resort, either great or small, observe this Device. Get a good Bundle of Sticks sharp∣ned at one end, and forked at the other, and a∣bout a Foot in length; stick these into the Ground slightly, only to bear up the Lines or Cords of which we come now to speak, and the Sticks [ 50] must be placed in strait Lines, and at equal dist∣ances over the whole Haunt where they resort. You must get such a proportion of Pack-Thread, or small Cord as you intend to use, which must be daubed all over with strong Bird-Lime, if it be for strong Fowl, or that you use it in the Water, otherwise ordinary Bird-Lime may serve. Your Rows of Sticks should not be above Two Yards distance from each other, and the Sticks of such proportions as to support your Lines, which [ 60] must be laid all along over the Forks. You must fasten the ends of your Lines to your last Sticks with slipping-knots, that when any Bird comes to touch on any part of the Line, the whole Line may give way to ensnare it, so that the more the Fowl striveth to get away, the more fast it becometh.

If you set against the Morning, fix your Rods over Night, and set the Lines at least an hour be∣fore Day; for if you go later, 'tis twenty to one but the Fowl will be there before you; and if you set for the Evening, all must be fitted by Sun-Set, or before, lest the Birds finding you there do avoid the Place: And 'tis not amiss that in all these places you embolden the Fowl by strowing some Baits to entice them thither.

If you set in the Water, your Lines should be not above five or six Inches out of the Water, that the Fowl may not touch on them as they Swim to and fro; and you may then fix one end of your Line, and only let the other end be with a runing knot, and so you may be assured of find∣ing what you take. If you set over any Water, your Sticks must be longer or shorter according to the depth of the place. In light Nights this Device is not so good, but in dark and great Fogs it is excellent, for you need not watch them, only re∣pair thither every Morning and Evening, and when you have tried one place you may remove to another Haunt, and still preserve and supply your Sticks, Lime, and Lines as you see occasion.

It were not amiss in case you set for Water-Fowl, that some of your Lines be about two Foot high above the Water, to ensnare the Fowl as they make their flights, not before they de∣scend into the Water; for you cannot but have observed that they use to fly about that distance at such times.

CHAP. XII.

How to take Fowl and Birds by the Legs, Necks, or both in Noozes made of Horse-Hair with runing Knots.

THe Devices to take Fowl and Birds by the Necks or Legs and sometimes by both, is very sure; the most fitting places for this pur∣pose are amongst Bushes and small Coppices, and the manner is thus; Make as many little Hedg∣rows of about half a Foot high (by sticking small Furz Bushes, Brambles, Thorns, or the like in di∣rect or crooked Lines, and of such length and in such number as you think fit, and according to the Game you think the place may afford.)

At several distances leave little open Spaces big enough for the Birds to pass through. This ensuing Figure represents unto you the same.

[illustration]

The Letters A, B, C, D, E, F, G, represent the Passages or void Places, in each of which fix a short Stick of the bigness of ones Finger, and tye thereunto a Nooze of Horse-hair finely twisted with a slipping Knot, as the aforesaid Noozes do demonstrate, that the Fowl endeavouring to pass through may draw upon his Neck, and so become strangled.

For Wood-Cocks lay those Strings flat on the Ground to take them by the Legs; If you make [ 10] the same Devices cross plowed Furrows, place your Strings in the bottoms thereof, you may take store of Partridges, provided there be any in the Ground; and for the enticing on the Fowl it were good to scatter in and about the Knots or Noozes some Grain.

CHAP. XIII. [ 20]

Directions to take small Birds in Pit-Falls.

HAving given Directions for the taking Par∣tridges with Pit-Falls, I shall now proceed to some of the like Nature for the taking small [ 30] Birds, but the former was above the Earth, these in and under it, and are excellent for taking Blackbirds, Thrushes, Feldivares, and such like Birds that feed on Worms. The best Season for this Sport, is from the beginning of November, to the end of March; the Device is cheap, profita∣ble and so common, that scarce any Schoolboy but what is acquainted therewith; however these ensuing Figures will demonstrate it unto you.

[illustration]

[ 40]

The Figure marked A is a plain Paddle [ 50] Staff, such as Countrymen use to carry in their Hands as they go about their Grounds; with this [ 60] you are to cut the Turfs, wherevvith the Pit-Fall is to be closed, which Turfs must be cut at least two Inches larger than the Pit: The same Paddle may likewise serve to dig your Pits, which should be always made in the Sun, near some Hedge where Birds frequent. They may be also made in great Woods near some Holly Bushes, for in hard Weather Birds use to resort to such places in expectation of Worms, by pecking up and removing the Dead Leaves that lye on the Ground. The Holes may be about seven Inches deep, on the opposite side let it be about four or five Inches long, as is designed by the letter O, and from X to O, there may be a Distance of about six Inches. Then take a small Stick V, X, not quite so big as ones little Finger, and about five In∣ches long, which cut sloping at the end V, the other Part of the Stick toward X being Tapered, or cut small by Degrees: Prick the small end X into the side of the Pit marked M, and let the end V lye upon the Ground. Then have another Stick marked as S, T, about the bigness of a Swans Quill, and four Inches long; which cut flat and smooth on one side, and at the end S on the other side cut a Notch.

In the next place you must have a forked Stick marked, as Y, Z, somewhat bigger than the other Sticks, and about five or six Inches long; the end Z being cut like the end of a Wedge.

Your next business is to make use of your Turf, which must be four or five Inches thick, the bigger side to be laid over the largest side of the Pit.

Take the end S, of your little Stick, and lay the flat side on the place M, upon the end of the Stick, which is pricked into the Ground; then place the end Z, of your Forked Stick into the Notch S, and lay on the Turf, making the end of the Forked Stick marked Y, to be just under the place of the Turf marked K; then move and place the small Stick which holds the Fork in such manner, that the least Bird that comes to tread upon the end of the Stick T, the Turf may fall down, and so ketch the Bird in the Hole.

For inticing the Birds to come to your Pit-Falls, get some Earthworms and stick four or five of them through the Body with some long Thorns, or small Sticks for that purpose, and so set them in your Pits, to be seen by the Birds that come near it; and be sure that the Birds can't come to the Pits any other way than by that marked O; you may Plant a little Hedge-Row of short Sticks about the two sides of the Pit.

If in hard Frosty Weather, stir up some fresh Earth about the Fore-front of the Pit, which will much entice Birds to come.

There is another kind of Pit-Fall, which is not so Troublesom as the former, nor so many Sticks or Devices required, you may use it in a∣ny Hedge, Bush, Tree or the like, and in all Weathers. It is to be made and used after this manner, as it is here described.

[illustration]

Take a Holly Stick about the bigness of ones middle Finger, and about a Foot and a half long;

ly that of Wheat from the middle of October to the end of March, and that after this man∣ner.

About Nine a Clock at Night, the Air being Mild, and the Moon not Shining, take your Low-Bell which must be of a deep and hollow Sound, and of such a reasonable size, that a Man may carry it well in one Hand; which Towl just as a Sheep useth to do whilst it Feedeth. You must also have a Box much like a large Lanthorn, and [ 10] about a Foot and a half Square, big enough for two or three great Lights to be set in; and let the Box be Lined with Tin, and one side open to cast forth the Light; This Box fix to your Breast to carry before you; and the Light will cast a great Distance before you very broad, whereby you may see any thing that is on the Ground, within the Compass of the Light, and by Con∣sequence the Birds that Roost on the Ground. And for the taking them have two Men with you, [ 20] one on each side, but a little after you, to the end they may not be within the Reflexion of the Light that the Lanthorn or Box casts forth; and each of them must be provided with a Hand-Net of about three or four Foot Square, the Figure represents the Form, which must be fixed to a long Stick to carry in their Hands, so that when either of them seeth any Birds on his side, he must lay his Net over them; and so take them up, ma∣king as little Noise as possible, and withal be not [ 30] overhasty in runing to take them up, but let him that carrieth the Light and Low-Bel be the foremost, for fear of raising others, which their coming into the Limits of Light may occasion, for all is dark except where the Light casts its Re∣flexion, so that by no means there must not be any Light.

Note that the sound of the Low-Bell doth cause the Birds to lye close, and dare not stir whilst you put the Nets over them, and the Light is so [ 40] terrible unto them, that it amazeth them. And for Caution you must use all imaginable Silence, for fear of raising them.

If you would use this Sport by your self, then in one hand carry the Low-Bell as before directed, and in the other a Hand-Net about two Foot broad and three Foot long, with a Handle to it, made as the Figure represents, which is to lay upon them still as you espye them, and some like this way better than the former. [ 50]

If you have Company with you, one may have a Birding-Piece, to the end that if you es∣pye a Hare, the best way is to shoot it, for it is hazardous to take it with the Net.

Some there are that instead of fixing the Light to their Breast as aforesaid, do tye the Low-Bell to their Girdle by a String that hangs to their Knees, and their Motion causeth the Bell to strike; and then they carry the Light in their Hand, ex∣tending their Arm before them, but the Lanthorn [ 60] or Box must not be so large as that which you fix to your Breast. Your best way is to try both, and use that which liketh you best.

CHAP. XVI.

The way to take Small Birds, called Bat-Fowling.

BAt-Fowling is likewise a Night Exercise, and takes all sorts of Birds both great and small that Roost not only on the Ground, but on Shrubs, Bushes, Hathorn Trees, and the like places, and therefore proper for Woody, Rough, and Bu∣shy Places.

In the Depth of Winter is the best Season for this Sport, and the darker the Night, and the colder the Weather, 'tis so much the better.

For the manner of Bat-Fowling, it may be used with Nets, or without, according to your Plea∣sure and Fancy. If without, suppose your Com∣pany be twelve or fifteen, let one Third Part carry Poles, to which little Bundles of dry Wisps of Hay or Straw (or instead thereof pieces of Links, or Hurds dipt in Pitch, Rosen or the like that will blaze) must be bound at top; another third part must attend upon the said Fires, with long Poles Rough and Bushy at the upper ends, to knock down the Birds that fly about the Lights; and another third Part must have long Poles to beat the Bushes, and other places to cause the Birds to fly about the Lights, which they will do as if amazed, not departing from it; so that they may be knock't down at Pleasure. And thus you may spend as much of the Night as is dark, and find good Divertion.

It will be convenient for one in the Company to carry a Candle and Lanthorn, that in case all the Lights are Extinguished, they may be kindled at Pleasure; And be sure to observe the greatest Si∣lence imaginable, especially till the Lights are kindled.

The other way with Nets is thus done, Let two or three go with Lanthorns and Candles lighted, extended in one of their Hands, (just such as before described to carry in your Hand, in the Chapter of the Low-Bell,) and in their other Hands small Nets, something like a Racket▪ but less, which must be fixed at the end of a long Pole, to beat down the Birds as they sit at Roost; which being surprized with the great blazing Light, will sit until they are knockt down; then there are others whose Business is to gather the Birds up, and to put them into a Basket or Bag to car∣ry home.

A Cross-Bow for this Sport is very useful, to Shoot them as they sit.

CHAP. XVII.

Of the Tramel-Net, and its use.

THere is another way to take great and small Fowl by Night in Champain C••untries▪

and that is with a long Tramel-Net, which is much like the Net used for the Low-Bell, both for Shape, Bigness and Mesh.

This Net is to be spread upon the Ground, and let the neither or further end thereof (being Plum∣med with small Plummets of Lead) lye loose on the Ground; and then bearing up the former end by the Strength of Men at the two formost ends, only Trail it along the Ground, not suffering that end which is born up to come near the Ground, [ 10] by at least a Yard.

Then at each side of the Net must be carried great Blazing Lights of Fire, such as were for∣merly spoken of; and by the Lights Men must be with long Poles to raise up the Birds as they go; and as they rise under the Nets so to take them. And in this manner you may go over a whole Corn-Field or other Champain Ground, which will afford both Pleasure, and Profit. [ 20]

CHAP. XVIII.

Of the Sparrow-Net, and its use.

THe Sparrow-Net is an Exercise used after Sun Set, and before Sun Rising, being the [ 30] times after the Birds go to Roost; and before their stiring in the Morning.

The Engine or Sparrow-Net is to be thus made, first have a long Pole much like a Hawks Pole, and at the upper end must be fastned strongly either with one, two, or more Grains, a small square cross piece of Wood like to the Head of an ordinary Hay Rake, but much larger for length and size, and of a little longer Square, according to the Fashion of this following Figure. [ 40]

[illustration]

Then make another Staff like unto this, but not above a third Part in length, and joyn it to the longer with a strong small Cord, so loosely that at pleasure it may fall too and fro from the longer Cross-Staff; and when both the Cross-Staves meet together, they may be both of one equal Length and Height, and joyn together without any difference, for otherwise they will be out of order; and so be ineffectual.

The Form and manner of the Second Cross-Staff.

[illustration]

THese two Cross-Staves being thus joyned fit to meet together, fix both to the one and the other a large and wide Pur-Net, having that Liberty at the top, that the Cross-Staves may fall and part the one from the other a pretty distance; and the lower end of the Net must be streight and narrow, and made fast to the same Hole in the lower Cross-Staff, to which the shorter Cross-Staff was before fastned; then take two small Cords, or Lines, which must be fastned with knots to each of the shorter Cross-Staves, passing through the two Holes, and so through the Holes of the [ 50] lower Cross-Staff, through which they may go and come at Pleasure; and then shall the two ends of the Wards be tyed on a knot together, at such an even Distance, that the shorter Staff may fall at pleasure from the lower as far as is convenient, or the wideness of the Net permit; and then a∣nother single Ward being made fast to that last knot of the two Cords (which single Ward al∣ways carry in your right Hand) draw the Cross-Staves close together, and close up the Net as [ 60] you find occasion; and make with it the Staves and Net fly open, and widen as the place requires where you are to set it.

The Form and Manner of the Sparrow-Net, as it is fixed together.

[illustration]

THis Sparrow-Net is to be used Early in the Morning, or Late at Night as before No∣ted, and must be set, or fixed against the Eaves of Houses, Barns, Dovehouses and such like places, as also against Stacks of Corn or Hay; and if they were thatcht it were the better, and being set close against them to knock and thrust the Cross-Staves close against the same, making a noise to force them to fly out into the Net, and immediately draw the long single Line, and shut up the Cross-Staves close; and so take out the Birds.

The chief Benefit of this Net is either to de∣stroy the Sparrows that lye about your Yards, Orchards, and Fields, devouring the Corn and spoiling the Fruit, or for the Mewing of Hawks, or getting such as are Weak and Sick into Strength; for with this Net you may take Morning and E∣vening such quantities as are sufficient to give them warm to your Hawks, which is a great Nourishment, and makes them Mew faster; or if for a weak Person, enough to make some Broath.

CHAP. XIX.

How to take Wild Fowl with a Net, [ 60] called a Crow-Net.

THere is an Invention for taking wild Fowl in Winter with the Crow-Net, which may be used in the Day time. It is made of dou∣ble Twisted Thread, or fine Packthread; the Meshes should be two Inches wide, the length a∣bout ten Yards, and three in depth; It must be verged on the sides with good strong Cord, and extended out very stiff upon long Poles made for that purpose.

When you are on the place you intend to spread your Net, open it, and lay it out at its full Length and Breadth; then fasten the lower end of the Net all along on the Ground, so as only [ 10] to move it up and down. The upper end of the Net should stand extended on the long Cord, the further end thereof being Staked fast to the Earth by a strong Cord about five Yards distant from the Net, which Cord place in an even Line with the lower edge of the Net; the other End of the Cord must be at least twenty five Yards, to reach unto some Natural or Artificial Shelter, by the help of which you may lye con∣cealed from the Fowl, otherwise you can expect [ 20] no good Success.

Your Net must be in that exact order, that it may give way to play on the Fowl upon the least pull of your Cord, which do smartly lest the Fowl be too quick for you.

This Device may be used for Pigeons, Crows, or the like, in Corn-fields newly Sown; as also in Stubble-fields, provided the Stubble conceal the Net from the Fowl.

It may also be used for small Birds, as Barn-Doors; [ 30] but then lay for them some Train of Corn or Chaff, to entice them to the Net, lying con∣cealed.

This Crow-Net may also be spread to great pleasure and profit in the Mornings and Even∣ings, where you know their Haunts are; at [ 40] which times in hard Weather Fowl use to fly in great flocks to and from the Land, with and against the Wind; and then they fly close to the Ground in open Countries and low Lands, which generally are not full of Inclosures; and when they are within reach of your Net, let go, and it riseth over them, and brings them back to the Ground with a notable Blow.

CHAP. XX.

[ 50] Of the Day-Net, for taking of Birds.

THis Day-Net is generally used for taking such small Birds as play in the Air, and will stoop either to Stale, Prey, Gig, or the like, as Larks, Lennets, Buntins, &c.

The Season of the Year to use this Net is [ 60] from August to November, and the best time is very Early in the Morning; and by the way ob∣serve, that the milder the Air, and the brighter the Sun is, the better will your Sport be, and of longer continuance.

As to the Placce where to lay your Net, let it be Plain and Champain, either on short Stub∣bles, green Lays, or flat Meadows, near Corn-fields,

and something remote from Towns or Villages; be sure let your Net lye close to the Ground, lest the Birds creep out, and make their e∣scapes.

The fashion of this Net appears by the fol∣lowing Figure; and 'tis made of fine Packthread, with a small Mesh, not exceeding half an Inch square; the length must be three Fathom, and the breadth but one; the shape is like the Crow-Net, and must be verged about after the same [ 10] manner with a small, but strong Cord, and the two ends extended upon two small long Poles, suitable to the breadth of the Net, with four Stakes, Tail-Strings, and Drawing-Lines.

This Net is composed of two, but are both of one length, breadth and fashion, and are to be laid opposite to each other, so close and even, that when they are drawn and pulled over, the Sides must meet and touch each other.

This Net Stake down with strong Stakes very [ 20] stiff on their Lines, to the end you may with a nimble Twitch cast them too and fro at pleasure. Then fasten your Drawing-Cords, or Hand-Lines, (which must be at the least a Dozen, and each two Yards long) to the upper end of the fore∣most Staves, and so extend them of such a rea∣sonable streightness, as with little strength they may raise up the Nets, and cast them over.

When your Nets are thus laid, place your Gigs or playing Wantons about twenty or thirty Paces [ 30] beyond, and as much on this side your Nets. These Gigs must be fastned to the Tops of long Poles and turned into the Wind, so as they may play and make a noise therein.

These Gigs are certain Toys made of long Goose-feathers, like Shettle-cocks, and with little small Tunnels of Wood runing in broad and flat Swan Quills made round like a small Hoop, and so with longer Strings fastned to the Pole, will with any small Wind or Air move after such a [ 40] manner, that Birds will come in great flocks to wonder and play about them. The following Figure sheweth the same.

Your Gigs being placed, then place your Stale (which is a small Stake of Wood to prick down into the Earth) having in it a Mortice-Hole, in which a small, long and slender piece of Wood about two Foot long is so fastned, that it may move up and down at pleasure; and to this longer Stick fasten a small Line, which runing [ 50] through a Hole in the aforesaid Stake, and so coming up to the place where you sit, you may by drawing the Line up and down with your Right-hand, raise up the longer Stick from the Ground, as you see occasion.

To this longer Stick fasten a live Lark, or such like Bird, which with the Line making it to stir up and down by your pulling, will entice the Birds to come to your Net, and so are taken. [ 60]

There is another Stale, or Inticement, to draw on these Birds, which is called a Looking-Glass, and that is a round Stake of Wood as big as a Mans Arm, and made very sharp at the lower end to thrust it into the Earth. It is made very hollow in the upper part above five Fingers deep, into which hollowness is placed a Three-square Piece of Wood about twelve Inches long, and each Square two Inches broad, lying upon the Top of the Stake, and going with a foot into the hollowness; which said foot must have a great Knob at the Top, and another at the Bottom, with a deep slenderness between; to which slenderness fasten a small Packthread, which running through a Hole in the side of the Stake, must come up to the Seat where you sit. The Three-square Piece of Wood, that lies on the Top of the Stake, must be made of such a true poyz and eveness, and the foot in the Socket so smooth and round, that upon the least touch it will twerle and turn round, winding the Pack∣thread so many times about it, which being sud∣denly drawn, and as suddenly let go again, will keep the Engine in a constant round Motion. Thus done, fasten with Glew upon the upper∣most flat Squares of the Three-square Piece, about twenty small Pieces of Looking-Glass, and paint all the Square Wood between them of a light and lively Red, which in the continual Motion will give such a reflexion, that the Birds will play about it to admiration until they are ta∣ken.

Both this and the other Stale are to be placed in the midst between the two Nets, and about two or three foot distance from each other, so that in the falling of the Nets the Cords may not touch or annoy them; neither must they stand one before or after another, the Glass be∣ing kept in a continual Motion, and the Bird very oft fluttering.

When you have thus placed your Nets, your Gigs and Stales, go to the further end of the long drawing Lines, and Stale-Lines; and having placed your self, lay the main drawing Line over∣thwart your Thigh, and with your Right-hand always draw the Glass-Line, and with your Left pull the Stale-Line to shew the Bird; and when you perceive the Birds to begin to play near and about your Nets and Stales, then pull over the Net with both Hands with a quick, but not too hasty Motion, for that spoils your Sport.

Always remember to lay behind you where you sit, all the square Instruments and Imple∣ments to be used, as the Stakes, Poles, Lines, Packthread, Knitting-Pin and Needle, your Bag with Stales, a Mallet to knock in the Stakes, and a small sized Hatchet to sharpen or make new Stakes upon occasion; and lastly, be sure that the first half Dozen of Birds you take be pre∣served alive for Stales, for you must not be un∣provided therewith upon no account.

Having fully treated of the Day-Net, this ensuing Figure gives you the full demonstration and proportion thereof, being a Net commonly used by all Bird-Men.

[illustration]

[ 10] For Explanation of this Figure, observe the several Letters which denote the Parts.

A sheweth the Bodies of the main Net, and how they ought to be laid.

B the Tail-Lines, or hinder Lines, Staked to the Earth. [ 20]

C, the fore Lines also Staked to the Earth D, the Knitting-Needle. E, the Bird Stale. F, the Looking-Glass Stale. G, the Line that draws the Bird Stale. H, the Line that draws the Glass Stale. I, the Drawing double Lines of the Nets, which pulls them over. K, the Stakes that Stake down the four Nether Points of the Net, and the two Tail-Lines. L, the Stakes that Stake down the fore Lines. M, the single Line with the Wooden-Button, to pull the Net over with. N, the [ 30] Stake that Stakes down the single Line, and where the Man should sit. O, the Wooden-Mallet. P, the Hatchet: And Q, the Gig.

And thus much for the Day-Net.

How to take Larks with a Looking-Glass and Clap-Nets, also with a Draught-Net, &c. [ 40]

I Have observed two or three ways purposely for the taking of Larks; the first shall be with a Looking-Glass, called a Doring or Da∣ring,

I shall not trouble you with Instructions what Bag you shall use for the carrying the many little Implements used in this Sport, leaving it to your discretion; yet in place more convenient I shall give you two or three Forms which are most useful: Neither shall I trouble you with Instructi∣ons [ 50] how to make the Net, vvhich may be bought at most Shops that fell Nets; but my business shall be to give you a full description of the thing it self.

You must provide four Sticks very strait and light; about the bigness of a Pike, two of which should be four Foot nine Inches long, the other two five Foot long; they should be all Notched at the Ends, as it is in those Sticks marked with the little a and b; at the End b fasten on one [ 60] Side a Stick of about a Foot long, of the same bigness with the other four Sticks, and on the other side a small Peg of Wood marked A, three Inches long. Then provide four other Sticks, each a Foot long, as the Letter f; each must have a Cord nine Foot long, fastned at the bigger End of them, as e, f; every of these Cords must have a Buckle at the End e, for the commodious fast∣ning them to the respective Sticks when you go about to spread your Net. This following Figure represents it.

[illustration]

The next thing to be provided is a Cord a, k h, g, which must have two Branches a, k, one of them must be nine Foot and an half long, the other ten Foot, with a Buckle at each End; the rest of the Cord from h to g, must be between 22 or 24 Yards long.

All these Cords, as well the Long ones as those with the Sticks, should be strong twisted, about the bigness of ones little Finger.

The next thing to be provided is a Staff m, n, about four Foot long, Pointed at the End m, and at the end n fasten a little Ball of Wood, for the convenient carrying of those many Necessaries in some Sack or Wallet. You must have a small

Spade of Iron, to level the Ground as you see occasion. Also have two small Rods like that marked l, m, n, o, each eighteen Inches long, ha∣ving a great End l, and thereunto a small Stick fixed, as p, with a Packthread near the End of the said Rod; and about the Letter m, being some nine Inches from it, tye another Packthread with two Ends, each hanging clear a Foot long; at each End tye a little Piked Stick, as q, r; At the smal∣ler End of the said Rod tye a Packthread with [ 10] four Doubles, which must form two Loops, as o, which tye at the Legs of some Larks. You must also have two small Reels, as F, G, by the help of which you may make the Larks fly as you have occasion The last thing you are to prepare is a Looking-Glass, according to these following Fi∣gures.

[illustration]

Take a piece of Wood about an Inch and an half thick, and cut it like a Bone, but so as there may not be above nine Inches space between the two Ends a and c, and let it have its full thick∣ness at the bottom, to the end it may receive into it that false Piece marked 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, in which the Figure 6 is the lowest, and the up∣per [ 40] 3 is but half an Inch large; the five Cor∣ners 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, must be let in, to receive as many pieces of Looking-Glass.

In the middle of the said Piece of Wood, in the Bottom or Under part thereof, by the Letter b, make a Hole to receive a little Peg of Wood, as l, j, b, six Inches long, and about the bigness of ones Finger, Pointed at l, and a little Hole in the Middle j. You must likewise have another Piece of Wood n, m, o, q, a Foot long, and about [ 50] two Inches Square, sharpned at the End q. Make a little Ingraving in it at o, about two Inches high, and one Inch and an half broad; then Bore or Piece a Hole into the said Piece above the End n to receive the Peg r, which must come down an Inch into the Hole o, and so turn easily about.

When it is thus fixed, put a small Line, into the Hole, j and your Glass is finished. You must place it between the two Nets near the middle of them, as the letter j, and carry the Line to the [ 60] Hedge (of which hereafter) so that pulling the Line you may make the Looking-Glass play in and out as Children do a Whirlegig made of an Apple drawn throught a Net.

Always keep it turning that the twinkling of the Glass against the Sun may provoke the Larks to come to view it.

The true season for this Sport is from Septem∣ber to March, especially in cold, clear and Sun∣shiny Weather. When you intend to pitch your Nets, be sure to have the Wind either in front or behind your Nets, lest if it be on either side it hinders the playing of your Nets. Close some open place, and let it be remote from Trees or Hedges, at least an hundred Paces. The Ground being clear from all Stones and Rubbish, spread your Net in the manner described by the Figure, viz. The longest Sticks fastned to that part of the Net which is largest, as for Example in the Figure, that on your Right Hand is bigger than the o∣ther. You must drive the Peg c into the Ground, and pass the end a, of the Stick into the Buckle of one of the Cords of the Net, and the Peg d in∣to the other Loop of the same End. Also do the same with the other Stick at the End e, l. But be∣fore you drive your Peg into the Ground strain [ 2] the Cord c, t, as much as you can; then take two of the Sticks as f, e, whereof one hath a Cord Nine Foot and an half long, and the other half a Foot less. Put the Knot e, of the longest Cord about the end of the farther Stick, and then retiring drive your Peg f into the Ground just opposite to the two little Pegs c, t, and then coming to the other end past your Stick a, into one of the shorter Cords, and so drive your Peg just with the others in a direct Line as c, t, f, that your Cord a, e, of [ 30] the Net may be throughly strained.

Having thus directed you to set one Net, your own Judgment will lead you to do the like with the other; only observe so to place them that when they are drawn, one may clap about half a Foot over the other.

The next thing to be done, take the Grand Cord which is to make your Net play, and place the longer Branch•• a, about the end of the Stick a, and the other Branch K, about the Stick K; then tie the Knot h, so that it may rest in the middle, and cary the end to your Lodge; strain it a little, and then fasten it with a Peg A, and about B, make some kind of Hold-fast for the better strain∣ing it, and that it may not slip again through your Hands, and just even with the said Hold-fast make two Holes D, E, in the Ground to thrust a∣gainst with your Heels.

Your Lodge must be made of Boughs in such manner that you may have a full and clear view on your Nets before, and it should be covered over head, nor be very high, that you may have a prospect on all Birds coming and going.

The last thing is the placing your Calls (for so are the live Larks called); you see by the Figure in what place you are to set them; set your little Stick p in the first place, and let the upper part be about sixe Inches out of the Ground, then place the two others q, r, on the right, and the other on the left, just at m, of the Rod, where the Cord of the said Pegs is fixed. Then tie the end of one of the Packthreads of one of the Reels about three or four Inches from m near the place marked n, and then carry your Reel to the letter F, the like you must do, with the other Rod tied at the end o, and at equal distances tie the Call-Larks by the Feet, so that when you see any Birds near you, 'tis but twitching your Cords,

and you force the Larks to mount a little, that thereby those others may take notice of them; when they are within your distance pull your main Cord and your Net flies up, and claps over them.

They that have observed any great Flight of Larks towards Evening, may take many of them by the help of a large Drag-Net, the description whereof together with its use is treated of in the Eighth Chapter under the Head of the Spread-Net, [ 10] or Drag-Net; only for Larks the Meshes must not be above an Inch Square, and your Net should be large▪ You need no other directions.

CHAP. XXI. [ 20]

Instructions and Directions touching Cock-Roads for the taking of Wood-Cocks, and to supply the defect of a Tree in a convenient place for a Cock-Road. [ 30]

COck-Roads are easily made and being once done cost nothing the preserving, yeilding a considerable Profit as well as Pleasure, when in an Evening either by ones self, or his Servant (if he be trusty, and that you live near no great Mar∣kets,) you may perhaps take Three or Four Brace, and as many in the Morning of excellent Wood-Cocks; and one so taken is worth two that are Shot.

The Nature of the Wood-Cock is to lie close [ 40] all day under some Hedge, or near the Roots of Old Trees, picking for Worms under dry Leaves, nor will he stir unless some accident of noise spring him up, being of a fearful Nature, and doth not see well his Way before him in the Morning ear∣ly: and towards the Evening they use to take Wing that they may get to Water (for they seldome meet with any but at those times) and then they would hardly stir, did not meer Thirst compel them. When they fly 'tis generally low, to the [ 50] end they may not be so well discovered, and when they find any Through-fare through any Wood or Range of Trees they use to venter through. In such places therefore it is that you ought to make your Cock-Roads, and plant your Cock-Nets, according to the Following Figure. [ 60]

[illustration]

Supposing then that your Range of Wood be about Thirty Paces long, then cut a Walk through it, near about the middle, about Thirty six, or Forty Foot broad, which must be directly streight with all the Shrubs, and Vnder-Wood carried a∣way; likewise all the Boughs that hang over the said Walk must be cut off; then choose out two Trees opposite to each other, as it is represented in the said Figure marked A, B, and prune, or cut off all the Front Boughs to make way for the Net to hang and play.

The next thing is to provide two strong Legs of Wood, which open or cleave at the biggest ends, as marked C, D, the middle parts tie fast unto some Boughs of the Tree, as the letters E, F, di∣rect, and let the Tops hang over, as G, H, repre∣sent; you should always have in readiness good store of Pullies or Buckles, made of Glass, Box, Brass, or the like, according to the Form de∣signed by the Figure, which should be about the bigness of a Mans Finger, and fasten one at

[illustration]

each end of the Perches, or Legs G, H, having first tied on your Pullies about the two Branches marked 3, a certain Cord of the thickness of ones little Finger, and then tie another Knot on the said Cord about the distance of a Hands breadth from the first Knot marked 4, and so let the two ends of the Cord hang down about a Foot long, that therewithal you may fasten them to the Pul∣lies which are at the ends of the two Pearches or Legs, as is marked by I, L, close to the Notches G, H, then clap into each Pully a small Packthred, the end of each should reach to the Foot of the Trees, that by the help of them you may draw up two stronger Cords into the said Pullies where you hang the Net, and not be forced always to climb up into the Tree.

These latter you may let hang, always provi∣ded you live by honest Neighbours.

The last thing to be provided is a Stand to lie concealed, about half a dozen Boughs pitched up together may serve for that purpose, with a storng Crooked Stake forced into the Ground just by the Stand, whereon fasten the Lines of the Net when it is drawn up. Remember to tie a Stone to the end of each of the two Cords of a∣bout four or five pound weight a piece, that when [ 10] you let go, the weight of the Stones may force down the Net with a strong fall, and pull up both the Stones, and the upper part of the Net close to the Pullies I, L, the Stones are marked M, N, and the Figure represents the whole Net ready for use. The ends of both Lines must be drawn to your Lodge or Stand, and wound twice or thrice about the Crooked Stake to prevent the falling of the Net, until you think fit, that is, un∣til some Game Flyeth against the Net. Some∣times [ 20] it so falls out, that a Covey of Partridges have been taken by this Invention, and now and then a Hare; so that you should be sure to look out diligently against all occasions.

If any Beast come Thwart you, let them pass under your Net, about five or six Foot, then make a noise with a shout, and so let go: The Beast at the first noise will retire back, and so be∣come ensnared. To be sure if you let go whilst he is just under the Net, he will either spring for∣wards or back-wards, and not be taken, but most [ 30] likely he will retire back.

If often happens that a Man perceives a great Through-fare of Birds between some Coppices or Timber-Woods over a certain piece of Ground, where he wanteth the conveniency of a Good Tree to oppose some other, which possibly stands according to his mind; but whether he wants one or two, if he find the place likely, and that in a probability it will quit his cost, let him then take one or two young Trees fit for the purpose, and plant them deep in the Ground, that they may [ 40] stand all Weathers.

To take WOOD-COCKS by Nets in high Woods by driving them into Nets.

YOur Net must be like your Rabet Hayes, but not so strong, and about Twenty Fa∣thom long; and of these you should have Two or [ 50] Three.

Being provided with Nets, and having the as∣sistance of five or six to go into the Wood with you, which should be at the least Seven or Eight Years growth (for the elder the better) then go into some part thereof, about the middle, if it be not to large, and Pitch your Nets along as you do for Rabets (but one joyning to the other) slope∣wise, hanging over that way which you design to drive the Cocks. You may make room for the [ 60] Nets, if there be no Paths, by splashing away the Shrub-Wood. Your Nets being thus fixed, let your company go to the end of the Wood at about Ten Rod asunder; and having Sticks in their Hands, make a noise, as also use your Voyces as if you were driving Cattle along, and so go forward and forward till you come to the place where your Nets are set, and you will not fayl to catch those that are in that part of the Wood.

Then when that part of the Wood is thus drove, turn your Nets slopewise to the other side, and go to the other end, observing the aforesaid Di∣rections.

This way you may use to take them at any time of the Day, with great ease and pleasure.

CHAP. XXII.

Several Sorts of Strings, Springes. Engines, &c. for the taking of Fowls and Birds, either on Hed∣ges, Trees, or on the Ground.

THere are several Devices for the taking of Fowl, and Birds, both great and small; and that either those peculiar to the Water or Land, or for both; and that on Hedges, Boughs, Trees, or on the Ground. The first way I shall represent is to take Fowl with Strings or Lines.

Let the Strings or Lines be made of long small Cord, knotted here and there, and conteyning in length as many Fathoms, as the places, or Haunts where you are to lay them require. These ate of great use for the taking of all sorts of large Wild-Fowl, as also for the Plovers of both kinds.

When you shall use these Strings, they must be well Limed with the strongest Bird-Lime; then coming to their Haunts, if it be for the E∣vening Flight, then before Sun-Set; if for the Morning Flight, then at least two Hours before Day; and having a burthen of small Sticks about two Foot long, sharpned at the lower end, and with a little Fork at the upper end, let them be pricked into the Ground in even Rows, all over the place of their Haunt, one Row distant from another about a Yard or two, and one Stick siding another within Four or Five Yards as they may conveniently bear up the String; and let them be prick't a little slauntwise, so as they may be with∣in a Foot and an half of the Ground. Then shall these limed Strings be drawn and laid upon the Forks some Rows higher than others, and higher in one place than in another, like the Waves of the Water, till every Row be filled, and the Haunt covered all over. Then fasten the ends with a Sliping Loop in such wise, that upon any Violent strain the whole String may loosen, and lap a∣bout any thing that toucheth it, and by this In∣vention great store of Fowl, especially Plovers, may be taken by reason of the great Flocks they come in; and they are commonly taken at their coming to the Ground; whose Nature is to swoop close to the Ground for a pretty distance before they light, and so falling amongst the Strings, are taken. You need not be constantly at Watch; for being entangled they can't loosen themselves. When you have done your sport

lay them up for another time, only new daubing them with fresh Bird-Lime.

You may make use of these Strings or Lines for the taking Water-Fowl, and then use the best and strongest Water Bird Lime, such as before shewed you. These Strings must be laid over the Rivers, Ponds, or Plashes of Water where you de∣sign to take any, which must be in such places where their Haunts are, and let the said Strings almost touch the Water, and as thick laid as be∣fore [ 10] noted for Land Fowl. And be sure to take this Caution, not to use these Strings in Moonshine-nights; For the Shadow of the Lines will create a jealousy in the Fowl and so frustrate your Sport.

Of the great and lesser Springes.

SPringes are thus made, and thus to be ac∣commodated; [ 20] First, well knowing the Fowls Haunts, and the places where the Flocks or Cou∣ples of great Fowl do usually feed in the Morn∣ings or Evenings, and observing well the Fur∣rows and Water-Tracts, where they usually stalk and paddle for Worms, Flot-Grass, Roots, and such like things on which they feed; and be sure to observe where several Furrows or Water-Drains meet into one, and after a small course divide themselves again into other Parts or Branches; [ 30] this middle part being the deepest, and as it were feeding the rest; and also observe which is most padled, and fittest for them to wade in, and such are the most likelyest places for your purpose. Then take small and short Sticks, and prick them cross-wise overthwart all the other Passages, one Stick within about half an Inch of each other making as it were a kind of Fence to guard every way but one, which you would have the Fowl to pass. [ 40]

All Ways except one being thus hemmed out, take a good stiff Stick cut flat on one side, and pricking both Ends into the Water, make the Upper part of the Flat-side of the Stick to touch the Water, and no more; Then make a Bow of small Hazel or Willow in the fashion of a Pear, broad and round at one end, and narrow at the other, and at least a foot long, and five or six Inches wide, and at the narrow End a little small Nick or Dent; then take a good stiff young grown Plant of Hazel, Elm, or Withew, [ 50] being Rushy grown, and clean without Knots, three or four Inches about at the Bottom, and about an Inch at the Top; and having made the Bottom-end sharp, fasten at the Top a very strong Loop of about an hundred Horse-hairs, plaited very fast together with strong Packthread, and made so smooth and plyable to slip and run at pleasure; and this Loop shall be of the just quantity of the Hoop made Pear-wise, as [ 60] before mentioned; Then hard by this Loop with strong Horse-hair, within an Inch and an half of the end of the Plant fasten a little broad but thin Tricker, made sharp and equal at both Ends

[illustration]

after this proporti∣on. And then the bigger sharp End of the Plant being thrust and fixed into the Ground close by the Edge of the Water, the smallest End with the Loop and the Tricker shall be brought down to the first Bridge, and then the Hoop made Pear-wise being laid on the Bridge, one End of the Tricker shall be set upon the Nick of the Hoop, and the other end against a Nick made on the small End of the Plate, which by the violence and bend of the Plant shall make them stick and hold together until the Hoop be moved: This done, the Loop shall be laid upon the Hoop in such fashion as the Hoop is propor∣tioned; then from each side of the Hoop prick little Sticks, as aforesaid, as it were making an impaled Pathway to the Hoop; and as you go farther and farther from the Hoop or Spring, so shall you widen the Way, that the Fowl may be entred a good way in before they perceive the Fence. The first Entrance being about the wide∣ness of an indifferent Furrow, so that any Fowl falling, they may be enticed to go and wade upon the same, where they shall no sooner touch the Spring with their Head, Foot, or Feathers, but they shall be taken; and according to the strength of the Plant you may take any Fowl both great or small.

To take small Fowl with the Engine.

FOr the taking smaller Fowl with this En∣gine, as the Snipe, Woodcock, Pewit, or the like, that useth to feed in Wet and Marshy Grounds, and amongst Water-furrows or Rillings, from thence sucking the Fatness of the Soil, the De∣vice and Engine is the same without alteration; only it may be of much less strength and sub∣stance, according to the Fowl it is set for, especi∣ally the Sweeper or Main Plant, which as before is prescribed to be of Hazel, Elm, or Withew; or so in this case may be of Willow, Sallow, or strong grown Osier, or any yielding Plant that will bend, and come again to its own straitness. And this kind of Engine is only for the Winter Season, when much Wet is on the Ground: But if there happen any great Frosts, so that you are deprived of the Waters, then search out where these standing Waters have any descents or small Passages, so as by the swift Current the Water is not frozen, and there set your Springes, and the greater the Frost is, the apter are they to be taken.

Directions for making the Bramble-Net, Termed by some the Hallier.

THe Form of this Net is Represented in one or more of the foregoing Prints. Those that are for Pheasants are larger than those for Par∣tridges; and those for Partridges larger than those for Quails, Coots, and the like. The manner of making them is one and the same. Your great [ 10] Meshes must be four Square, those of the least size are three or four Inches Square, and those of the biggest are five; in Depth they should not have above three or four Meshes; as for the length you may enlarge them as you think fit, but the shortest are usually eighteen Foot.

If you intend to have your Net of four Meshes deep, make it of eight, for as much as it is to be doubled over with another Net, likewise be∣tween the said Doublings; the Inward Net must [ 20] be of five Threads neatly Twisted, with the Meshes two Inches Square made Lozengewise, with a neat Cord drawn through all the upper Meshes, and another through the lower, by which you may fasten it to the double Hallier.

In the last place fasten your Net unto certain small Sticks, about one Foot and a half, or two Foot long, and about the same distance from each other. Your inward Net must be both lon∣ger and deeper than the outward, that it may [ 30] hang loose the better to Entangle the Game.

For Pheasants, both the one and the other should be made of strong double Twisted Thread, and for Partridges, Quails, and the like, of Silk.

CHAP. XXVI.

How to take Blackbirds; Feldi∣vars, [ 40] and the like Birds in Mysty Weather in Highways, and by the sides of Hedges.

IN Mysty Weather, Blackbirds, Thrushes, Feldivars, and such like Birds do generally fly by the sides [ 50] of Hedges, making no long Flights. For the taking them in the midst of their Flight do thus. Observe the Figure in Chapter XXV. and ac∣cordingly prepare your Net about six Foot deep, and twenty Foot long, it is called the Cobweb-Net. Then get a Staff about six or seven Foot long, which must be a little slit at the small end D, and sharpned at the other end F, with which go along by the Hedge side, where you suppose there is Game; and having found some, pitch [ 60] your Net about twenty or thirty Paces from the place where they went in according to this directi∣on. If there be any Tree about twelve or fifteen Foot from the Hedge side, or if it be in a way where there are two Hedges not above fifteen or twenty Foot asunder, then you need not make use of your Staff, otherwise you must.

Suppose it were in a Highway with Hedges on each side as E, I, for Example, then choose out some Bough about six or seven Foot high, which hangeth in towards the way as the Letter B; make a small cleft in it at A, and gently thrust thereinto the small wooden Wedge, which is tyed at the Packthread, runing through the upper part of your Net; and then do the very same on the o∣ther side of the way, as F, I, so that your Net may hang as it were bent. Then fetch a Com∣pass about at least thirty Paces beyond the place where you saw the Birds fly in; and when you come near, they will fly back by the Hedge side, and so come against your Net, which being slightly hung, will fall upon them, and so they are taken.

In case there be but one Hedge, and no op∣posite Tree, then make use of your Stick.

CHAP. XXVII.

Divers necessary Observations touch∣ing the Natures and Dispositions of Plovers, and other wild Fowl, with Directions to take them.

I shall begin with an Apology for the length and Curiosity of this Chapter, to the end, Industrious and Active Spirits may furnish others with fresh and Beneficial Advantages of the same kind.

Plovers use to fly in exceeding great Flocks to∣gether, they generally come to us about Septem∣ber, and leave us in or about March; In Frost and cold Weather they seek their Food on such Lands as lye near and adjoyning to the Sea. In Thaws and open Seasons they go higher into the Countrey, so that their whole labour is to rise and fall, as we say. They delight much to feed in Plough∣ed Lands, especially if Sowed; and having fed they presently seek out for Water to wash their Beaks and Feet. When they sleep they do not Pearch on any thing, but Couch or sit on the Ground as Ducks or Geese; they only sleep in Calm Weather, otherwise they pass most part of the Night in runing up and down to seek for Worms, as they come out of the Ground; and then they al∣ways make a little cry purposely to keep close together, for at day break they all unite into one Body, and so depart; if in their Flight they chance to espy any others on the Ground, they usually call them to them, and if they refuse to go, they make a stay expecting some Booty. There are many other Fowl that accompany with them, as Lapwings, Teal, and the like.

They are most easy to be taken when not inter∣mixed with other Fowl. Especially in October, soon after their first coming, as being unacquainted with the Instruments of their Ruine; also in March they are easily taken, for then they begin to Cou∣ple. It is not good to set your Nets for them in long Frosts, and continued cold Seasons, but in∣termixed

with Weathers; of all Winds the North-west is the worst to take them; and as you ought not to set your Nets in some Winds, so ought you exactly to place your Net according to the Wind, as hereafter shall be directed.

All Sea Fowl fly against the Wind, when ever they design to rest on the Land, therefore ob∣serve to fix your Nets according, to play with the Wind.

This following Figure doth represent the man∣ner [ 10] how to set your Nets when the Wind is Ea∣sterly, that they may play Westerly, that so the Birds may be taken flying cross the Net, not long∣ways with it; nor are you tyed exactly to observe the Situation of the Wind, in regard sometimes the place where you intend to pitch will not bear it, but the nearer you come to it, so much the better.

[illustration]

[ 20]

Several necessary Instruments to be used in ta∣king Plovers.

THere are many little necessary things to be used in taking Plovers; I have therefore represented the Forms of them in a Figure alto∣gether, as followeth.

[illustration]

[ 30] In the first place you must be provided with a Net or two, which are called Leap-Nets, the Meshes are Lozengwise and about two Inches Square. The Net should be about two Fathom long, and eigh∣ty Meshes deep; I shall not trouble you with the way of making it, although it be of great use in Fowling, it being an Art it self, and to be bought at the Shops that sell Nets. Secondly, you must have two Staves marked 1, 2, about the big∣ness of a Mans Arm, the one about nine Foot [ 40] long, and the other about ten, and they must be a little Notched in at the smaller ends. Thirdly, you must have two pieces of some Pipestave, as marked 3, a Foot long, and three Inches broad, pointed at one end. Fourthly, you must have a couple of Staves about the bigness of ones Thumb, ten or twelve Inches long, and pointed at [ 50] one end, as that marked No. 4. Fifthly, get three other pieces of Wood No. 5. each two Foot long, and about the bigness of a Pitchfork, sharpned at one end. Sixthly, you must be provided with a small Hatchet, marked No. 6, the sharp side not above three Inches deep, with a strong Head to beat in the Staves. Seventhly, you must have a good Knife, as marked No. 7. Eightly a Stick in the Fashion of a Billiard Stick, as No. 8. repre∣sents, which must be two Foot long from a to b, ending in a point at a, the other end b, c, must be a Foot long bending; and it must be cut in three Angles at the Letter c. Ninthly, have a [ 60] Pipe or Whittle to call the Plovers, as No. 9. re∣presents; it may be made of the Thigh Bone of a Goat, or a large Sheep, and cut off at both ends about three Inches long, at the end h fill it with Wax into the opening e, then make the hole d plain under the Bone, that the Wind may come in; Then make a Hole at the middle f, just above big enough to receive a small Goosquil, and ano∣ther

a pretty deal bigger, to give it the clearer Sound; and likewise that you may thereby hang it about your Neck, pierce a small Hole at h, to receive a Packthread. Tenthly, have a small Pannier, or Basket as No. 10. big enough to hold three or four live Lapwings, with a Hole at the top to put them in. In the Eleventh place have three or four Reels, such as Gardiners use to Line out Borders and Walks, for the Winding up your Lines, as is Represented in the eleventh Fi∣gure. [ 10] Twelfthly, have a Commodious Sack or Wallet to carry your things according to No. 12. Thirteenthly have another sort of Pipe, represen∣ted by No. 13. being nothing but a piece of Wood, lesser than ones little Finger, and three Inches long, cleft at the end s, unto the middle T, where∣in six a Bay Leaf to imitate the Cry of Lapwings. Fourteenthly have two Rods according to No. 14, each two Foot and a half long, and strait, light and slender, at the bigger end 5, you must fa∣sten [ 20] a Peg as marked 6, three or four Inches long, and pretty close to the Rod; at the middle 2 that is nearer the great end, tye a couple of Pack∣threads each two Foot long, with a Peg at each end, as 3 and 4, of the same size with the former No. 6. At the small end of the Rod j, fasten a slen∣der Packthread, with a Double at the end to clap about the Body of a Lapwing; and the other end which is single must be a good deal longer, to fa∣sten the Tail of the Bird. And in the last place [ 30] have a Holm Stick, according to No. 15. about four or five Foot long, indifferent strong, at the great end fasten two Pegs at each side, one as 10 and 11, about the bigness of ones little Finger, and six Inches long; about a Foot and a half from thence fasten two Packthreads, each two Foot and a half long, with a Peg at each end, about the same size with the former, marked 13 and 14. These are the main Implements to be used; now follows to apply them to use. [ 40]

Instructions h••w, when and where to pitch your Nets for the taking of Plovers, and the like.

THe best place to pitch for Plovers and such like Fowl, is in large common Fields of Green Corn, where there are neither Trees nor Hedges, at least within three or four hundred Paces of the place where you design to work. If [ 50] there be any Water in the place, endeavour to pitch near it, for Plovers delight therein to cleanse their B••••ks and Feet after they have dirted them with turning the Earth up and down for Seed or Worms. You must be careful that the Plot where you pitch, be a little lower than your Hedge, or at most equal with it, for higher it must not be. This following Figure sheweth the manner of contriving your Plot of Ground.

[illustration]

[ 60]

Suppose the place where you design to pitch, reach from A to B, and the distance between the Platform, and your Lodge from B to E; and that the Wind blow South, you must have a Pack∣thread about fourteen or fifteen Foot long, and fasten it to a couple of Pegs A, B, which fasten in the Ground to line out the place for your Nets. Then take the Billiard Stick No. 8. in the forego∣ing Figure, and beat the Earth with the Trian∣gular end, as if you would cut, and so pass a∣long that whole length of the Packthread, which is about twelve or fourteen Fathom, the exact length of your Net: And when your Border is made, then take away the Packthread, and take the shorter of the two Sticks No. 1, and place it at the bottom of the border at No. 1, and the bigger end of the said Stick must be at No. 8, not directly strait, but bending at least two Foot inwards, just as you see it drawn before you in the Figure.

Then hold it fast with one Hand, and with one Finger of the other, or with the handle of your Knife Trace out the Form of its Position, that it may rest Imprinted in the Earth; then with your great Knife No. 7. cut along your Trace or Border of your said Stick, and with your Hatch∣et No. 6, cut out the Earth between the two Tra∣ces or Lines a, 1, 8, 0, begining at the End j, and finishing at 8 in such manner, that at the End j the Earth may be taken out but one Inch over, [ 10] and at the End 8 four or five Inches large, that your Stick may be hid as it were in the said Gut∣ter.

This being finished, carry the other Stick No. 1. (being the longer of the two) unto the other End of your long Border, and plant it in the self same fashion; then take your little Stick No. 3. which drive into the Ground at the end of your two Gutters, as 8 and 9, to hinder the two main Sticks from beating into the Ground with [ 20] the force of the Net. Your two Sticks No. 4. also drive into the Ground about half a foot from your Border at 1 and 3, a little inclining Inwards; the intent being to prevent your main Sticks from returning back when the Net is strained until the Cord be pulled: besides, should you place them Outwards upon the Lines 9, 6 and 8, 0, it were impossible to make your Net play; for then the more you strain the Cord, the closer would your main Sticks come under [ 30] your Sticks No. 4. then remove all the loose Earth, except an Handful or two, which lay on the two Ends 5 and 7, the better to raise up the other Ends of the main Sticks, and then your Platform is ready fixed.

Now in case you make two other Gutters, as 2, 8 and 4, 9. on the other side of the Border, opposite to your two first, then your Platform will serve for two contrary Winds, viz. North and South. I shall direct you how to dispose of the [ 40] remainder of your Vtensils, in turning back to the first Figure in this Chapter.

If you intend to take any Plovers, be on the place where your Platform is ready made with all your Implements early in the Morning; then place the main Sticks in the little Gutters, and take your Net on your left Shoulder, or Arm, and go towards the Lodge, which is about fifteen or sixteen fathom from your Platform, and there place the Buckle which is at the End of the Cord of your [ 50] Net, and so go backwards towards your Plat∣form, letting the Cord trayl all along, and being at the Stake or strong Peg S, fasten thereto the Cord of the Pully T, so that the Pully be in a direct line with the two Pieces of Wood Q, o; then when you come to the form let your Net it self fall by degrees, and still retiring back∣wards. When you are at the Peg behind, which is R, strain the Cord until it be right and strait, and then fix it to the said Peg that it may not [ 60] slip back.

I have also for the conveniency represented to you, with what menner of Knot it is that you should fasten your Cords on this occasion. Sup∣posing that the Peg 7, be the Piece whereunto you pretend to fasten your Cord 2, 4, take it in one of your Hands at 1, and being over the Thread 2, to form the Buckle or Knot 5; which pass over the Peg 7; then make another Bow or Buckle, as 6, wherein the Thread 4 is passed under, and to clap this Bow over your Peg upon the Top of the other Bow; then strain the two ends 2 and 4, and your Knot will be compleat, and you must be very exact and ready at it.

When the End of the Cord of the Net is thus fastned, lift up your man Stick P, Q, and place the great End in the Gutter Q, drawing the Cord of your Net towards your Border, and force it into the Notch in the small end of your main Stick, and let some Body hold it there; But in case you have no help, lodge it in your Gutter under the Peg P, and drive the sharp End of the Billiard into the Ground upon it, to stay there until you go to the other main Stick N, o, and there fix your Cord into the Notch at the End M. It must be so straitned, that a great deal of strength may be used to get it into the Notch; then place your main Stick in the Gutter under the Peg N. Remove your Billiard from your main Stick V, Q, and force your Net into the Platform, so that it be hid under the Cord.

The next thing to direct you in is the placing your Call-Plovers and Artificial Lapwings, which must be disposed as you see the Cyphers 00000. In case the Wind be not directly East, but in∣clined a little towards the South; then your first Pelt, or counterfeit Bird (which is nothing but the Skin of a Bird stuft with Chaff, or the like) marked 3, shall be placed half a foot from your Border, and about eight or nine foot from the End V, the rest you may range in such order as they are designed by the Figure, at about two foot distant from each other; whereas in case the Wind be North-East, place your Birds a good deal farther from the End V, that is to say, about six foot further; because Wild-fowl always fly against the Wind, and then as they pass over the Stales, or Artificial Birds, that is betwixt them and the hinder Stake R, it may so fall out that they may pass under the Cord; for that will be shorter by a third part when it is let loose, and by a moity, if the Wind be strong, which you must diligently observe when there is but little Wind stirring. You may place two thirds of the Birds behind your Net, and if it be strong, one third part is enough, the rest should be before, because Plovers will come where your Birds are.

As for Lapwings, they must not be mixed with your Plovers, but placed just by your Gutters, as the Letters g, g import.

The next thing you are to dispose is your Live Birds; if you intend to use two, drive them one before, and the other behind; if you have only one, place it behind in this manner: Force your little piked Staff-C into the Ground, which is tyed to the bigger End of the Rod, and then hold up the little End F, to see if it stand right with the Lodge, and if so, hold it a foot high whilst you stick the two Pegs A, B, into the Earth; then tye a live Lapwing unto it with the Packthread about its Legs which Packthread should be indifferent long, to the end the Lap∣wing may not hurt it self; then put the Tail

about the End of the Rod, and fasten it with another Packthread, and so taking one of the Reels, fasten the End of the Thread which is above the quarter part of the length of your Rod, to the place marked E; and the Reel to the Lodge. If you plant a couple of Lapwings, you must place the other in the same manner before your Platform.

Your Holm-stick must be placed about three or four fathom from the Border, and about six [ 10] foot beneath the last Pelts or Artificial Birds. To set it right in order do thus: Drive into the Ground the two Pegs marked at the great End M, in such manner as your Holm-stick may move like the Axeltree of a Cart between the two Wheels; take the little End X, and lift your Rod almost strait up, that it may be right with the Lodge, and then fasten your two Pegs H, j in the Ground: Then fasten the End of your Line to one of your Reels at the middle L of [ 20] your Rod, and carry the other end to your Lodge. The Holm-stick must be tyed at the End X of the Rod; your Holm-stick must be laid down close, and covered with some Boughs, Straw, or the like, that the Birds may not be affrighted at the sight thereof.

This Holm-stick is nothing but the two Wings of a Kite or Buzzard, which are tyed with two or three Hawks-bells at the End of the Rod for the purpose that shall be anon declared. [ 30]

Directions for preparing the Lodge, for those that take Plovers and the like Wild-fowl.

THe Lodge is to be thus made: Take five or six Boughs about three foot high, and stick them in the Ground like an Hedge; it must be open at the Top, that you may hear and see the Birds that pass near you. [ 40]

[illustration]

The Figures 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9 represent it unto you, as also how you may (being a single Person) manage two Nets at the same time from one and the same Lodge. Your Seat must be of some Turf about a foot square, and three or four Inches thick, which put beneath the Cord at the place marked C, where your Cords cross each other, and where one may touch the Hold∣fasts f, g, to strain the Nets. You must lay a good handful of Straw under the Cord upon the Turf, to prevent dirting the Cord, as well as spoil∣ing the Turf; and you had need to have a good Armful in your Lodge; to keep you warm and dry as occasion requires. You must likewise cut two little Holes in the Ground to rest your feet when you strain your Cords, the Letters D, E denote the place where. The same things must be all observed, if you use but one Net. But he that will undertake to manage two Nets, had need to see first the manner of it, at least to ob∣serve these following Directions.

You have been already fully instructed how to plant one single Net, which being done, Take a long Cord, represented by the pricked Line K, j, which at one End fasten to the Peg M, about two or three foot from the side of the Peg Y; the other End fasten to the Peg H, so that the part K of the Packthread may be distant between five or six fathom from the End of the Gutter O When the shorter of your two main Sticks is fixed, one End at K, and the other at Q, carry the bigger of them ten or twelve fathom distant; one End being set at j within half a foot of the Packthread, and the other towards L. Let them be stooped down, and then fix another Pack∣thread, represented by the pointed Line S, T, which must be strained hard: Then vvith your Billiard-stick make your Border or Platform Q, P; then cut out your Gutters, and place your Pegs and Sticks as they are placed in the beginning of this Chapter, numbred 3 and 4, and placed in the former Net.

You may make this Form serve for two Winds, if you make the Gutters V, X, Z, R, just opposite to the others; and then place your main Sticks in them, turning about your Cords, and trans∣plant your Lodge: As for Example, The fore∣going Figure represents two Nets, which are set for a Westerly-Wind; Suppose the Wind should chop about and turn Easternly, you must then [ 50] first of all put the End of the Cord M to the Letter B, the strong Peg A to the little p, and the Stake behind H to the little m; the main Stick K to the Letter X, the other j to the Letter V, and your Net will be then set for the East-wind. You may likewise transpose the other Net by turning the Cord Y to the little a, and the strong Peg to the little o, and that Stake behind to the Letter N.

You must also turn about your main Stakes, [ 60] and make a low Seat at the Letter h, and dress up your Lodge there; the two pointed Lines a, h, j, n, and b, h, p, m, do fully demonstrate how the Nets should be placed vvhen the Wind is turning about. Your Birds both dead and alive must also be altered as you there see; and you must set two or three counterfeit Birds be∣fore the first Border with a Lapwing or Call-Bird,

and another behind the Platform, the rest of the Artificial Birds may be set before the Border P, Q, and the Holm Rod behind the last Net.

Instructions when and how to Call, also when and how to draw the Net for taking Plo∣vers, &c.

YOur Implements being all disposed as before [ 10] directed, betake your self to your Lodge, having your Pipe hanging at your Neck, and when you espy any Game on the Wing, give them a Call, and make your Call Birds fly a turn or two ever and anon, as occasion requires; for the Game perceiving the Lapwings to stir and fly from place to place, and your other Birds to stand feeding as it were, will be decoyed thither in expectati∣on of some Food. When they come near, be sure do not make your Birds to stir at all, for they would then soon perceive by the forceness of the Motion, that they were tyed; and for fear of being suprized themselves, they will fly away. Neither must you with your Pipe give them such loud Calls, as if at a remote distance; but les∣sen your Notes by Degrees. I have thought fit to set down the said Notes.

The Natural Call for Plovers. 〈♫〉〈♫〉

The Call for Curlues. The He-Lapwing coming. The Female Lapwing. 〈♫〉〈♫〉

It is very difficult to imitate exactly the Notes, without good Observation and Practice, but as near as you can Call in the same Notes as you hear them as they pass by you; and be sure not to let fly your Net, though there were never so many of them, and that they were just at the Net, unless they come flying against the Wind. When you perceive they begin to descend, and that they come within eighteen or twenty Foot of the Platform, let go your Pipe, and lay both hands on your Cord, to let fly with all the force you [ 20] can, by giving it a smart pull towards you, just as you perceive the first of the Flock between the two Stakes, K, I. If they are about eight Foot high from the Ground, let them pass on, for they will wheel about and take another turn, nay sometimes they will pass by you eight or nine times before you will find them right for your purpose. You will find that most an end they will pitch a good way from your Net; if you per∣ceive them so inclined, make some little noise [ 30] to prevent them, if however they take Ground, then get your Assistant to steal out at the back∣side of your Lodge, and fetch a great compass behind the Plovers, and if you had for that pur∣pose your Artificial Stalking Horse or Cow, it would be of great use. But for want thereof, let him go on all four, or at least stooping with his Head down, by which means he may by de∣grees drive them from side to side, within ten or twelve Foot of the Border, at which time let [ 40] him throw up his Hat, and give a great Shout; upon which they will take Wing to fly over your Nets, at which Instance of time draw in your Cords very briskly, and take up all those that are under the Nets.

When all are gathered up, clear the place of all the loose Feathers that lye on the Ground, and then set your Net in its former State to take o∣thers.

When you have two Nets Planted, and that a Flock come, do not presently draw, but let your Assistant fetch a compass and raise them, by which means you may be assured of them.

When you see a great Flock coming, your As∣sistant must hold the Cord of your Holm-Rod, that is, the Kites Wings; and draw it just when you direct him, that is to say, when the first Birds of the Flock fly low, and are within about six Foot of the Form; for as soon as ever they perceive the Holm-Rod aloft, the last of the Flock will first pass on, and all of them come within a Foot of the Ground, so that you may take the greatest part of them, were they ten or fifteen Dozen, You must be sure not to stir the Holm-Rod, until the Birds be within seven or eight Foot of the Ground, lest they pass over the whole Form before they stoop to the Ground. And this is all I shall say as to this particular way of taking Plovers, which though difficult to observe, yet if expert in, is very profitable.

CHAP. XXVIII.

How to take Wild-Ducks with Nets, Hooks, Sliping knots and the like.

THey that would employ themselves in ta∣king Ducks and Mallards with Nets, &c. should always have some wild ones reclaimed, and made same for that purpose; for the wild will never accompany themselves with those of the real tame Breed. Therefore be provided with at least a dozen of them, for fear of wanting any upon occasion, for they are often lost, and much subject to miscarry.

Never place your Nets but where you have at least a Foot of Water, nor much more, so that Marshes, Sands, Flats, overflown Meadows and the like, are proper for this Sport.

The Nets to use are the same with those used for Plovers, and plant them after the same man∣ner,

only these are set under Water, and you need no Border to conceal your Net; your Main Sticks should be of Iron, strong in proportion to their length; but if of Wood, fasten good heavy pieces of Lead all along your Net, at about a Foot distance on the sides of it, to sink it down into the Water, that the Ducks may not escape by Diving; and your Lodge should be so contrived as before directed for the Plovers. When all is ready, place Ducks (that is, she ones) in this man∣ner; [ 10] tye two or three of them before your Net, and as many behind by the Legs, but so as they may swim up and down, eating such Grain, or Chipings as you shall throw to them for that pur∣pose; The Drakes keep by you in your Lodge; When you perceive a Flock coming near you, let fly one of your Decoy Ducks, which will present∣ly joyn with the Wild ones in expectation of his Mate, and not finding her there, he will begin to call; and the Female that is tyed by the Legs [ 20] hearing her Mate to call, will begin to cry out, and provoke the others to do the same, upon which the Drake comes to his Female, and gene∣rally draws with him the whole Flock, which greedily fall to eat the Bait laid for that purpose. The Ducks being once come within your Draught, pull your Cords with the quickest force you can; and having thus taken them, let go your Decoy Ducks, and feed them well, and the Wild ones you may kill; and so set your Nets again as you [ 30] see occasion.

Sometimes the Wind is so contrary, that the Male Duck can't hear his Mate when she cryeth; in that case let go a second, and a third to bring in the company you design to surprize. Your Decoy Ducks should have some mark of distinction for your more ready knowing them from the Wild ones, as something sowed about one of their Legs. [ 40]

To take Ducks with Runing Slips, and Col∣lers of Horse-hair.

I shall now shew you a cheap, and easy way to take Ducks with Runing-Slips, &c. especially in such low Marshes, as are overflown not above a Foot and a half deep.

Observe the Haunts most frequented by them, and there cast a little Grain for two or three days, to embolden and draw them on, for having [ 50] once fed there, they will not fail to return thither every Day. You must then plant seven or eight dozen of your runing Bows of Horse-hair tyed by two or three together unto little sharp Stakes, which must be fixed into the Ground according to this ensuing Figure; and they must be so placed, that

[illustration]

the upper end of the Sticks and the Collers may be just hid a little under Water, and then throw some Barly or the like Grain amongst your Traps, that so you may take them either by their Heads, or swiming by their Legs.

You must resort thither thrice every Day, to see how you succeed, and to order your business as you see occasion.

[illustration]

This Figure offereth you a Device much of the same Nature with the former; It is a Stake which for length is according to the depth of the Water as T, V, at the great end T, bore it with two cross Holes, and put into the said Holes two Sticks, one P, R, the other Q▪ S, each about the bigness of ones little Finger, and about two Foot long; they must be strong set in, and well peg'd, at each end of the Sticks fasten your Collers or Slipping Bows of Horse-hair well twisted, as the Letters P, Q, R, S, then place your Stick T, V, that it may be all un∣der Water; and so as your knots may just swim open on the top of the Water, and then cast your Grain or Chippings of Bread in and out a∣mongst the said Stakes, the better to entice the Ducks to come.

To take Ducks with Hooks, and Lines.

Those that use the Water much, and observe where Ducks resort, do frequently use to take store of them by Hooks and Lines, the manner is as here described by these Figures.

[illustration]

Fasten your Lines well and strong unto piked [ 60] Sticks, as the Figure marked G represents; and stake down your Sticks into the Ground, then Bait your Hook with an Acorn, Bean, or the like, as the Figures B, E, represents, or with a Fish as the Figure C. You may also bait it with a Worm. By these you may learn to Bait with Pasts, or the like; and you should do well to feed the Ducks three or four days before, at the place where you

intend to set your Lines and Hooks the better to draw them on an embolden them, and you should visit your Sport every Morning and Evening, to take in what you have caught, and to Rectifie what is a miss.

CHAP. XXIX. [ 10]

Directions to take Herons, Bitterns, Wild-Geese, Ducks, Swans and the like.

THere are divers sorts of large Fowl that frequent Rivers and Moorish places, seeking [ 20] for Fish, Frogs and such like Food that the Wa∣ter affords, especially upon great Floods, and the like; when you perceive any such Fowl, to fre∣quent a certain place, you may take them with Hooks and Lines set, and baited according to these Figures.

[illustration]

[ 30]

Your Hooks must be strong, and well tyed to your Lines, then Bait them in this manner, thrust [ 40] the long strait part of your Hook into the Mouth, or Throat of the Frog, and let the end come out at the Tail, and then fasten it to the Line, which must be tyed to some Bough, Root of a Tree, or Stump; and for want of such conveniency, drive in some Stake to fasten it unto.

If you can get a small Fish about the bigness of a Gudgeon it will do as well, and for some sort of Foul better; and therewith Bait your Hook, thrusting the long end in at the Throat g, and out [ 50] at the Fundament h; and there fasten your Hook to the Line, and your Line to some Stake or the like, as marked e, the end f being fixed into the Ground, and the great end e being just covered over with the Water; And the first Hern, or Bit∣tern that shall perceive it, will make at it, and de∣vour it, and so become taken.

You must attend Morning and Evening to look after your Baits, and to do well you should place good store of Hawks in several pla∣ces. [ 60]

If your Baits do miss, and that you find the Fowl do resort thither; then fetch a great com∣pass about them, and as it were gently drive them to those places where your Baits are set; and if they pass within sight thereof, they will come to them and be taken.

For this Sport the Stalking-Horse, either Na∣tural or Artificial, may be of great use.

CHAP. XXX.

Several Directions for taking Hawks, as also other Birds, with an Owl, or Horn-Coot.

YOu must know that all Birds that sleep in the Night, are Enemies to those that take their Rest in the Day. Such that sleep by Day are the several sorts of Owls, the Osprey, &c. and when any of the Day Birds, espy them, they ga∣ther about them both great and small, endea∣vouring to kill them. You may with the smaller sort of Owls catch good store of ordinary Birds, as Sparrowhawks, Magpies, Jayes, Daws, Black∣birds, Thrushes, Sparrows, Lennets, and the like: And with your great Horn-Coot, the Goshawk, Faulcon, Lanner, &c. besides the aforesaid Birds.

The Horn-Coot is a large sort of Owl, and keeps altogether in Woods and great Forests; he is oft∣times bigger than a middle sized Goose, with hairy Legs and rough Footed; he hath great Tufts of Feathers on either side of his Head, bearing out like Horns; his Face is broad and large, his Eyes great and sparkling, and his Voice terrible and frighting. Having got such an Owl, you need want no Recreation, having first made him fit for your purpose, and to that end follow these Directions.

The first thing to be taught him is to come and feed on your Fist, being ready and perfect at that, put him into some Room or Cockloft, where you must place two pieces of Timber at each end of the Room one, which must be about two foot high, and cut on the upper-side like the Ridge of an House, declining on both sides, that your Horn-Coot may Pearch on them; then tye a Cord from one of the said Pearches to the other, having first drawn it through an Iron-Ring, or some strong Leather-Strap, whereunto tye a Strap about three foot long, and at the other End your Horn-Coot must be fastned by the Legs, just like unto Hawks. Your Ring, or Leather Strap, must be loose, so as to play for∣wards and backwards from one Billet to the other, that your Horn-Coot may divert himself when he is minded to change places. At first, place not your two Pearches, or Billets, above six or seven foot asunder; but afterwards you may lengthen them by little and little, as you perceive he comes on. Let him not rest at any time on the Ground, and let the Strap, by which he is tied, be proportioned to the height of the Pearches.

You must teach him to fly from one Stand to the other, by never feeding him on that Pearch where you find him, but only shew him his food,

and so draw or entice him to the other; when he hath had a Reward of two or three Bits, remove your self to the other End, Calling him, and unless he come to the other Pearch give him no more; and by this means in a little time you will find he will be too quick for you, for as soon as he perceives you to move, he will fly along and get thither before you: He is then well made, and will be brought to that pass in about two Months. [ 10]

My next business shall be, to shew you how to prepare the Place and Instruments you are to use in taking Hawks, and other Birds, by the help of your Horn-Coot.

Choose out some Quarter that lieth high and open, free from Hedges, Trees, or Bushes, only with a single ••ree, distant at least four hundred 〈◊〉〈◊〉 from any other, with a large round spread∣ing Top, and pare away all the under Boughs. This Figure shews the whole, with the Explana∣tion. [ 20]

[illustration]

[ 30]

From A to E is the Stem of the Tree, cleansed [ 40] from all Boughs about twelve foot round from [ 50] the Ground, the top Branches being all pared away, to bring the whole into a uniform Cut, no place sticking out more than another, that your Nets may the freer play: If there be any void place in the Tree, by which a Bird may stoop through and stick at your Horn-Coot which is under it, you must there stick in some Boughs to fill it up; and it were not amiss if you let [ 60] three or four Boughs below to stand out some∣what more than the rest, upon which a Bird might take stand, to view your Owl or Horn-Cool at the bottom of the Tree.

You must carefully gather up all the Leaves, Chopings, and broken Sticks, and put them out of sight for the avoiding Suspicion; for Hawks especially are very jealous and observant. Then choose out three Boughs from under the Tree, that stand in a Triangle at an equal distance, as those marked T, V, the third being just behind the Tree; then make a little Incision, or Cleft, with your Knife in the End of each of the said Branches; the Clefts should be distant about nine or ten foot each from the Body of the Tree; the intent of these Clefts are to receive as many little Pegs, which are fastned to the Cords of your Net, as hereafter in the next Figure shall be declared.

Then prepare two Billets, one of which place at H, L, about four or five foot from the Body of the Tree, which must be strong set into the Ground; the other at I, must be placed about an hundred Paces distant, and forced also into the Ground; then stick up four or five Branches, as R, S, about three foot from it for a Lodge, where you may withdraw with your Compa∣nions; behind each of the Billets drive a strong Peg of Wood, as M, and your place is fitted.

Your place being thus prepared, take your Horn-Coot, your Cord, and a Folding-Ladder, and get early in the Morning to the place. Plant the Ladder against the hindermost of your Triangle Clefts, and fix the Peg, which is fastned to one of the Cords of your Net into the Cleft, and it must be very gently thrust in; then remove your Ladder to the Branch V, P, and gently thrust into the Cleft the Peg that is at the other end of your Net. Then carry your Ladder to the Branch Y, Z, and put into the Cleft T, one of the Pegs of the other Net; the other Peg of your second Net must be fastned into the Cleft of the Branch which is behind the Tree; then your two Nets are set in Triangle above, as appears by the Letters below X, E, A, g, X. Then re∣move your Ladder into some Private place, or fasten it on the backside of your Tree to lye close.

The next thing to be done is, to draw your Line between the two Pearches, viz. from H to I, with your Iron-Ring, or Leather-Buckle clapt on it, for your Horn-Coot to move in and out as you see occasion; fix the End of the Line over the Billet I, at the Stake, in the Lodge M. Every thing being thus disposed, withdraw your self, and watch your Horn-Coot, to observe if he discovers any thing; for you shall sooner dis∣cern by his Eye than your own, whether any Bird be stiring or not. When you find him turning his Head a little on one side, with his Eyes aloft, give him a little twitch, and make him forsake the Pearch, or Billet I; for on that he must be first placed, and he will fly along after a heavy manner, to rest himself on the other Billet, or Pearch, under the Tree. The Bird that was passing by having once discovered him, will presently stoop at him, and perceiving the Tree will take a Stand, to consider his strange Countenance, and resolving to set on him, Casts himself into one of the Nets, which soon falleth down upon him; and you must be nimble to take him out, that he bruise not his Feathers, nor over heat himself by Bating, and send him away; then set your Net as before, and with∣draw

your Horn-Coot to your Lodge again on the Pearch I.

The Nets to be used are the same with that mentioned in the Twenty fifth Chapter, where it is at large described.

The Preceding Device is very good, but that which is designed by this following Figure is much better, in regard there is no need of any Tree, and also because you may by this take two or three, nay twenty at one time; and like∣wise [ 10] in regard the Birds which now come to your Horn-Coot, have no Pearch to stand and gaze, whereby they may hazard the discovering of your intent. Furthermore, if five or six Hawks, or other Birds, should be at once in your Tree, you may expect to take but one, and pro∣bably the worst of them all.

[illustration]

This Figure is much the same with that for taking Plovers, already at large discoursed of.

For taking of Hawks use a double Platform, of which I have also treated; only in the placing of these, your Nets must play the one on this side, and the other on that side; whereas for Plovers, they both play one way. For Example, When you draw your Cord of the Net, the side M, falls on the Point 2, and other 4 upon 3, to the end that the Bird that strikes at the Owl, or Horn-Coot, may be sure to be taken, on what side soever it come.

You see where to place the two Pearches, viz. one at A, and the other at D. You must at first place your Horn-Coot on that by your Lodge, and when you find by him that he discovereth any Bird, force him from you that he may fly to the other Pearch A, to give a full opportu∣nity of discovering himself.

In case you have any Stale Pies, or Jays, they will be also great helps to call in other Birds; and remember this thing, that in case you see any Bird which you desire to take, if he come on the Right hand, you must take him with that Net which is on your Left hand, and so on the contrary.

Having hitherto treated of the taking of Hawks, as also other Birds with an Horn-Coot; I shall next proceed to treat of the taking Hawks several other ways, and of all Ages, especially of such as are most frequent in our Kingdom, as the Goshawk, Sparrowhawk, Merlin, Hobby, Ca∣strel, and the like; all which have their Ayries and Breed here, though not esteemed so good as the Beyond Sea ones, especially the Gos∣hawk.

[ 20] There are likewise some Hawks, that by some Accident or other come into this Kingdom wild, and others break out of the Mew, or by Mis∣fortune are lost, and Breed here.

Hawks are taken three several ways, and at as many several Seasons; to wit, from the Ayery, after they be disclosed, at which time they are called Eyasses, or after they be full Summed, and begin to leave their Nest, at which time they are called Branchers; or after they have preyed for [ 30] themselves, and then they are called Sore Hawks, or Hawks in their Sorage.

The Taking Eyasse-Hawks.

FOr the taking these Hawks (which is as soon as they be disclosed, and have cast off the first Down which covereth their Feathers) there is no difficulty to be used, more than finding out the Ayery, or Nest, which is amongst the tallest Trees that grow in the thickest Coverts, and are [ 40] most remote from Paths, or frequented places; and when you come where the Ayery is, you may know it by the Mutings and Slicings of the Old ones about the said Ayery, and at the foot of the Tree you will find much Plumage, Fea∣thers, and Bones of Birds, so that if you watch near the said place early in the Morning, or at the close of the Evening, you may see the Male bring in Prey for the Female that setteth on the [ 50] Nest.

Having thus found the Nest, about Mid-day (being the time that she riseth to bathe and so∣lace her self) you may climb up the Tree, and look into the Nest; to see how many Eggs she hath, or whether Young ones; but be sure do not touch either, for that will make her forsake the Ayery. And when the Young ones are about ten Days old you may take them away, and bring them up with warm Meat, and li•••• [ 60] Birds, till they be full Summed and hard Fea∣thered, and after that you may Reclaim and Man them as you find occasion, according to the Directions given in the Treatise of Hawk∣ing.

These Hawks are called Eyasses, as taken out of the Nest; but this is not the best Season for taking Hawks, for they can't be so naturally

fed as by their Damb, nor so well kept and or∣dered.

The next Season for the taking young Hawks is when they are Br••nchers; that is, when they are hard Summed, and begin to forsake their Nests.

To take Branchers.

FOr the taking of Branchers with Nets, ob∣serve [ 10] this Method: Having found out an Ayery, or Nest, be there very early in the Morn∣ing, to watch the rising of the Old Hawks to fetch Prey for their Young ones, and soon after their departure you shall see the Young ones fly forth upon the Boughs and Branches of the Trees, skiping up and down to exercise their Wings. Now the thing to be observed is their Nests, which is ever one and the same; then climb up the Tree, and being provided with several little [ 02] Nets about two foot, or two foot and an half square, which must be made of strong twisted Thread, and dyed of the colour of the Leaves, for fear of frighting them, place one of those Nets about the Nest half circular, leaving one passage for their going in and out; and let it be placed about a foot and an half above the Nest, Pent∣house-wife, and in such secret manner at a di∣stance from the Net, that it may not be per∣ceived by the Old ones. Let your Net be a [ 30] runing, Net, so drawn upon a strong Line, that when any thing shall strike against it, it may run together like a Purse, and enclose and keep fast the thing taken: and to that end make fast the strong Lines to some Branch of the Tree, that when they are taken they may not fall to the Ground, but hang fettered in the Net, without bruising themselves, or breaking their Feathers, which is much to be regarded.

Having thus placed your Net about the Nest, [ 40] then place some others of the same size and fashi∣on between the thickest and usual Branches, through which they pass in and out to their Nests, especially at that place where you saw the Old ones make their passage out; and let them be placed more uprightly, and fasten the strong Lines to some Branches as aforesaid.

Your Nets being thus placed, which are to be done with all hast imaginable, for fear of the Old ones coming, you must descend the Tree, [ 50] and place your self in some secret place, that you may not be espyed by either the Old or Young Hawks, yet so as you may have sight of them; and when the Old ones brings them Prey, they flock about her to the Nest for it, so that as ma∣ny as touch the Nets, become entangled; and those that escape are taken oft times at their com∣ing out. Those that are so taken fetch not down until the Old one is departed, and the other Young ones are come out for fear of affrighting them from their Nest, and so lose the taking them; [ 60] and be sure not to break or bruise any of their Feathers, in the taking them out of the Nets; and you should be provided with some Rufter-Hoods to put on their Heads, which will make them quieter from strugling.

To take Hawks in their Soreage.

THis Season is from the time they have Prey∣ed for themselves, until the first year be expired, and that they have Mewed. For the ta∣king them you must well know their Ayerie, and diligently observe their Mornings and Evenings going forth for Prey, as also their returning home, and where they take their Stands; for Hawks of all Birds are the most constant to their wonted places. Therefore being thus acquainted with their times of going out, and the places where they sit at their return, take the advantage of their going out for Prey, and climb up the Tree where their Stands are, and in the strait places where they must pass, take a pair of those Nets called by Falconers, Vrines, or Vrnes, which for shape are not much different from those you are to use for the taking of Branchers; but they are much more larger, and more hollow in compass, with a large Mesh; they are made of strong Twisted brown Thread, and dyed Green as afore∣said; but being common to be bought at Net-makers Shops, I shall say no more of them.

These Vrines or Nets place in the several pas∣sages, and in divers Trees round their Stand, so that let them come which way they will, you may meet with some of them, and place your self in some secret place, as before directed, to watch their taking, for fear of hurting themselves; and when you have taken them down, Hood them as aforesaid.

But if it happen that this taketh no effect, then six Stales under your Nets, of such Birds ei∣ther great or small as you see they Prey upon; and these Stales tye at such a convenient liberty, that they may flutter up and down within the compass of the Net. Then about Day-break when the Hawk begins to rouze her self upon her Stand, and to gaze about according to their Nature; and hath cast up her Casting of Plumage, or Feathers, and being sharp and hungry, will soon espy your Stales, and with all eagerness make them her Prey, by which means she will become intangled in the Nets; and by this Device you may take all the Ayerie, provided you be not too rash, by getting up the Tree, to take that down, and so a••••right the rest away.

To take Hawks with Lime-Rods, or a Lime-Bush.

THere are some that for taking of sore Hawks do use Lime-Rods, or a small Lime-Bush, artificially made of five Twigs, gently fixed into a little Socket of Wood made like a Handle, that so soon as any thing toucheth or striketh them, they presently depart from the Socket, and clap close to the thing that it toucheth, and so become intangled; those little Bushes are artificially pla∣ced about the Stand where the Hawk useth to fit, compassing it so about, that she can't come to the Stand without intangling.

As for the single Lime-Rods, they must be fixed to the nearest Branches to the Stand, coming slope∣wise so near the Stand, that she can't come in

without touching them, and so become intangled. These Lime-Rods are to be placed not only about he Stand, but also in and about all Passages, through which she cometh to her Stand; and they must be artificially placed, that she may not di∣stinguish them from the Natural Twigs of the Tree.

These single Lime-Twigs or Rods must be about a Foot and an half long, and about half ways Limed; but those used for the Bush, must be a∣bout [ 10] twelve or fifteen small Rods in a Cluster, and so placed that one may not touch another; which Twigs must be about six Inches long, of which Lime four Inches towards the top.

But although this manner of taking Hawks is very certain, and not much troublesom, yet it is not so good and neat, by reason of besmearing their Feathers with the Lime; therefore for the cleansing their Feathers from the Lime, have ve∣ry [ 20] sine clarified Capons Grease, or Goose Grease, a∣nointing therewith the Limed Feathers very well, then take of the sinest Hourglass Sand, and scat∣ter it thick upon the Oyntment; and having warm Water, either bath the said places, or with a soft Spung dipt into the said Water, bath the Feathers therewith, working them betwixt your Fingers; by which means you will get off all the daubed Lime, and perfectly cleanse the Feathers from the same. [ 30]

Taking Hawks with a Dark Lanthorn.

THis way is very good and sure for single Hawks, as well Young as Old. Observe this Method. Having found the Stand of a Hawk, in the dead of the Night when it is very Dark, get a Dark Lanthorn, and turn the Light just be∣fore your Face, and against the Hawk, by which means your Face will not be seen by the Hawk, and make as little noise as possible; and by this [ 40] Device you may come unto her, and take her from her Stand with your Hand; for the Light doth cast an Amazement unto her, and it were not amiss if you covered your Face with a piece of thin Green Silk; for nothing is more affright∣ful to them, than the Face of a Man.

This way is good to take all Hawks that through ill Reclaiming, or otherwise do escape, and break away, and so become Wild. [ 50]

Concerning the Stands of Hawks.

IF it be a Day-Stand, you shall find about it nothing but Mutings, and Slysings without any mixture of Matter. And if it be a Night-Stand, you shall find lying amongst the Mutings many and divers Castings of Feathers, Plumage and the like, which you may know to be a Hawks from other Fowl, by the bigness, proportion and Substance. Also by the difference of the Castings, [ 60] you may know if it be her present or former Stand; if her present, then you shall find Castings of all Natures, as some altogether dry, some about three parts dry, others half dry, some less; and probably her Casting that Morning. But if it be her forsaken Stand, then all the Castings will be dry, old and withered. And thus much concer∣ning the taking of Hawks.

CHAP. XXXI.

Of Singing Birds, and how to pre∣serve and keep them.

HAving thus largely Treated of the taking both Land and Water Fowl; It will not be unnecessary to Treat of such Singing Birds as are of most esteem amongst us, with some short Directions how to keep them; and first with the Nightingal.

The Nightingal.

THis Bird by most is esteemed the Queen of all Singing Birds, as well for her sweet as various charming Notes, which she (though but small) loudly warbles forth, and generally in such places near unto Houses, and frequented places. They begin to appear about the beginning of A∣pril, and where their Winter Habitation is, none knoweth, but 'tis supposed by some that they sleep all that Season.

She makes her Nest in Quickset Hedges, or the like places, not far from the Ground, and Hatch∣eth her young about the beginning of May, and the earlier the young ones are hatched, they are esteemed the better. They should be taken out of their Nests when indifferent Fled'g, for if well Feathered, they (as all other Birds) will become sullen and dye, and if too little or callow, they are tender and also in danger of dying.

For their Meat give them Sheeps Hearts, or Bullocks Hearts, but take off the fat skin that covereth it, as also the Sinews; then soke the like quantity of White-bread in Fair Water, squeez∣ing out some of the Water, and mince them small together, and give it them on the point of a Stick, as much at a time as is sufficient. When they are old enough to fly out of the Nest, put them into a Cage, with several Pearches to sit up∣on; and let them be lined with green Bays, for at the first they are very subject to the Cramp, and at the bottom of the Cage put in some Moss, or fine Straw; and it were not amiss if their Ca∣ges were lined in the Winter, otherwise they must be kept in a warm place. At their first Ca∣ging put amongst their Meat Ants Egs.

In Summer every day feed them with fresh Meat; when they begin to Moult, let their Meat be hard Egs and Sheeps Hea••••s, o•• equal quanti∣ties mixed together with Saffron and Water, but by the way take notice that D••ck-Egs will kill them: Sometimes you may give them Catterpil∣lers, Red Worms, F••gs Lice, or Meal Worms.

As to their Diseases and Cure••, observe that at the latter end of August they grow very fat, as well those abroad▪ as those in Cages. When their fat abates and they cease Singing, 'tis an ill sign; therefore keep them very warm, and give them Saffron in theer Meat or Water▪ When you per∣ceive the growth of their fat▪ purge them thrice a week for a Month, either with a Worm usual∣ly

found in Dove-Houses, or with a Speckled Spider, which you may find about Vines, or Goosbery Trees, about August, and at no other time.

If they are Melancholy, put into their Drinking Pot, some Liquorice, with a little White Suger Can∣dy, and let their Meat be Sheeps-Hearts Shred, some Meal-Worms, and hard Egs mingled with Pismires.

If you keep them not clean, so that their Feet [ 10] are clogged, their Claws will rot off, and they will be subject to the G••ut and Cramp, and take no delight in themselves; therfore keep the Cage clean and handsome, with good dry Sand in the Bottom.

For the Cure of the Gout, take Fresh Butter, and Anoynt their Feet, Four or Five Days, and it will cure them.

They are also troubled with Apostumes, and breaking out about their Eyes and Neb, for which [ 20] use Capons Grease.

The way to take Nightingals.

FOr Young ones observe where the Cock sings, and if he Sings long the Hen, is not far off, and when you come near the Nest she will Sweet and Cur; if notwithstanding you can't find the Nest stick a Meal Worm or two upon a Thorn, and retiring into some place out of sight, observe [ 30] which way it is carried by the Old one, and ap∣proaching you will hear the Young ones, when she feeds them. Having found the Nest, do not touch them, for then they will not tarry in the Nest.

The way to take Branchers, is thus; scrape in the Ditch, or Bank-side, the Earth about three quart∣ers of a ••ard square, that it may look fresh; then take a Bird-Trap or Net-Trap, which make after this fashion.

Take a Net made of Green Thread, or rather [ 40] Silk, which should be about a Yard in compass, and made after the fashion of a Shove-Net for Fish; then get some large Wire, which bend round, joyning both ends together, which put into a short Stick about one Inch and an halt long; then take a piece of Iron with two Che••ks, and a Hole on each side, through which put some fine Whip-Cord three or four times double, the better to hold the piece of Wood unto which the ends of the Wire are put; and with a Button on each side the Iron [ 50] twist the Whip-Cord, to the end the Net may play the quicker. You must fasten the Net to the Wire as you do a Shove-Net to the Hoop, then get a Board the compass of the Wire, and joyn the two Cheeks of Iron at the Handle of your Board, and make a Hole in the middle thereof, and put a piece of Stick, about two Inches long, and a Hole at the Top of your Stick where you must have a Peg to put in with two Wires an Inch and a half long, to stick your Meal Worm upon, [ 60] then in the middle of the Top of the Net, tie a String drawing the Net up, having an Eye at the end, of the Handle to put your Thread through, and pull it till it stands upright, then pull it through the Hole of the Stick that stands in the middle of your Board, and put your Peg in the Hole, to hold the String of the Net, that it can't fall down; upon the Wires put two Worms before you put it into the Hole, and set it as gently as you can, that it may fall down upon the first touch of the Nightingals approach. Then having scraped the place, your Net and Worm being in a rea∣diness, put some Ants in your Trap-Cage, and upon the Board put some Worms upon Thorns, and set them at the bottom of the Trap-Cage, to which end little Holes should be made to stick in the Ends of the Thorns. Then plant your Trap near the place where you heard them Call, be it in the Ditch, by the Bank-side, or Corner of a Hedge, and you need not fear of catching some. You may set what number of Cages you think convenient, the more the better.

Having taken any, tie the ends of their Wings with strong Thread, to disable them from bruising and hurting themselves against the Top and Sides of the Cage; and to that end, it were convenient to let the Cage be lined with Green-Bays.

For Four or Five Days until they are Reclaim∣ed, let them not be disturbed with Company, as little as may be; let their Food be Sheeps-Hearts, and hard Egs finely shred, and mixt together, with Red Ants, and a few Red Earth-Worms will not do amiss. At the first taking them they will Eat nothing but living things, as Worms, Ants, Flyes, Catterpillers, and the like; But if through fulleness they will not Eat, then open their Bills and force them, strewing some of the said Meat at the bottom of the Cage.

Those Nightingals that are taken in July, or August, will not sing till middle October, and then they will hold in Song till June following; but those taken in the begining of April, are esteem∣ed the best for Song. Those Birds that Sing be∣fore they feed, are generally excellent; but those that are long a feeding, and do not begin to Sing, are not worth the keeping.

Cocks are thus known from Hens; the Cock is said to be longer and bigger than the Hen; to have a greater Eye, a larger Bill, and a Tayl more reddish: But take this for a certain Rule, that if any of your Nestlings, before they can feed themselves, do Record a little to themselves, and in that Recording you perceive their Throats to Wag, it is a sure sign they are Cocks.

Brainchers, when they are taken and do Feed, whether Cocks or Hens, will Record; but the Cocks do it much longer, louder, and oftner.

CANARY BIRDS.

THese Birds take their name from the place from whence they first came, viz. from the Canary Isles; but of late years there is a sort, (but not so good) that are brought from Ger∣many: And there are some that are curious in this Diversion in their Aviaryes that breed them in England, which are excellent, surpassing all o∣thers; but the keeping and ordering them is trou∣blesome.

These Birds being of such esteem for their pleasing Notes are much prized, so that as a Merchandize they are brought over and sold by certain Shop-Keepers about Billings-gate, in London, for Ten, Twelve, or Fiften shillings a piece, more

or less, according to the goodness and excellency of their Notes, there being a great difference in them.

If you would know whether they are in health before you buy them, take them out of the Store-Cage, and put them into a Clean Cage alone; and if they stand up boldly without crouching or shrink∣ing their Feathers, and looks with a brisk Eye, 'tis a sign they are in Health; but if they Dung very thin and watry, or of a slimy White, without, [ 10] any Blackness in it, 'tis a sign of Death.

They are Subject to many Diseases, as Impos∣tumes, which afflict the Head, and will cause them to fall suddenly from the Pearch, if not speedily Cured.

The most approved Medicine is to make an Oyntment of Fresh Butter, and Capons-Grease melt∣ed together, and anoynt the infected place there∣with Three or Four Days together, and when it is soft, open it gently and let out the Corruption, [ 20] then anoynt the place with some more of the said Oyntment, and it will perfect the Cure in a short time; and during the time of the Cure give them Figs and Liquorice, with White Suger-Candy in their Water.

The LINNET.

THis is a pretty Bird, and for a sweet and pleasing Note takes place next to the Ca∣nary [ 30] Bird, and were it not so common would be of great esteem; the feeding the Nestlings is with White-Bread soaked in Milk, or Water, with bruised Rape-Seed mixt of the like quantity, and let it be fresh made every day, for that which is four will breed Diseases; this Meat give them on the Top of a Stick as often as occasion serves to seed them.

If you would have them to Whistle, you should Whistle to them in the time of feeding them, and [ 40] the best is with a Flagelet, observing constant Tunes, and what Bird soever you would have him to learn his Note, under that Bird let him hang, and he will perfectly imitate him, especial∣ly the Canary Birds Notes exactly.

The Cock is known from the Hen by the Breast, which is redder, and his Back is browner, with White under his Wing, viz. the fourth, fifth and Sixth Feathers.

His usual Food is Rape and Canary-Seed mixt [ 50] together, with little Hemp-Seed. And blow off the Huks every day from the Seeds in the Draw∣er of his Cage, and betwixt the Wire put some Chalk to rub his Bill, also a Lump of Suger is very good sometimes to pick upon; the Dutch-Seeds are esteemed better than the English, as being thiner skin'd.

Many are the Diseases of this Bird, as Con∣vulsions of the Breast, Ptisick, known by the pant∣ing, staring of his Feathers, and lean Breast; [ 60] which distemper happens for want of fresh Wa∣ter, or green Meat, as Chick-Weed, or the like; in the Spring sometimes he is troubled with Hoars∣ness in his Voyce, by over-streyning to sing, but of all Diseases, scowring is most dangerous, and if it is clammy, it is mortal. Saffron is very good to give them in their Water, and Suger-Can∣dy.

The Robbin Read-Breast.

THis Bird being so innocent and harmless is most beloved, and of all others is the most familiar, coming into the Houses to eat Crums of Bread; and for a sweet and changeable Note is little inferiour to the Nightingal, or Canary-Bird; besides it is very tractable to Whistle. They breed generally thrice a year. Those that you intend to keep should be taken from the Old ones before they are much fledged, otherwise they will be sullen and dye; and being a tender Bird are to be kept in Cages lined with Bays. They are to be feed in all respects as the Nightingal.

In the bottom of the Cage put Moss for warm∣ness. If you would have them learn to Whistle use the Flagelet that hath a small fine Note.

The way to take the Old ones is both easy and common, which you may do either with a Pitfal, or with a Trap Cage, bought at any shop that sells Cages, and in the said Cage you may put for a Bait some little Worms, Crums of Bread, or the like.

The Cock hath his Breast of a darker Red than the Hen, and it goeth further up upon his Head.

The WOOD-LARK.

THis Bird for its excellent, pleasant, and va∣rious Notes, is held in great esteem. They Breed very early in the Year, and make their Nest in Lair-Ground, where the Grass is rank and russet, under some large Tuffs, to shelter them from the Cold. 'Tis a very difficult Bird to take from the Nest, and so to breed up, generally dy∣ing of the Scouring, or Cramp in a short time after they are taken out of the Nest; so that the best way were to take the Old ones, or Bran∣chers, before Moulting-time; the chief Season be∣ing in June, July, and August.

The way to take them is with a Hobby, after this manner: Go out in a Dewy Morning to the sides of some Hills that lye towards the rising of the Sun, where they most usually frequent; and having Sprung them, observe where they fall; then surround them twice or thrice, carry∣ing your Hobby on your Fist, causing him to hover as you draw near, by which means they will lye still until you clap a Net over them, which carry on the Point of a Stick. If you would take three or four together, have a Net made like that for Partridge, only with a smaller Mesh, and carrying your Hobby, as aforesaid, which will serve you as the Setting-Dog for the Partridge, and with your Net at one Draught you may take them all: But those taken in these Months are not so good for the Cage, as those taken in Fe∣bruary, or January, as not holding their singing so long.

Upon your first taking them, put into the Cage two Pans, one for minced Meat, and the other for Oatmeal, and whole Hempseed; then having boiled an Egg hard, take the Crums of White-bread, with the like quantity of beaten Hemp-seed, and mix them altogether, mincing

the Egg, very small, and give it them to eat. At the bottom of the Cage should be fine Gravel, and be sure to keep the Cage clean, and shifted every three or four Days at least with fresh Gra∣vel, which they much delight in. If you would have them sing loud, and much, feed them with Sheeps Hearts, hard Eggs, and Hemp-seed bruised, mixed together, and put into the Water a little 〈◊〉〈◊〉, white Sugar-Candy, and Saffron, once a Week. [ 10]

If in the beginning of the Spring you find them 〈◊〉〈◊〉 poor, give them for two or three days a Turf of ••hree leaved Grass, as is used to the Sky 〈◊〉〈◊〉 also some Sheeps Hearts boiled, and mixed with B••••ad, an hard Egg, and bruised 〈…〉〈…〉 before directed.

If those Birds 〈◊〉〈◊〉 in January, or February, Sing not within a Month, 'tis a sign they are other 〈◊〉〈◊〉, or will not be worth the keeping. Now for the knowing a 〈◊〉〈◊〉 observe these Rules; [ 20] 〈…〉〈…〉▪ the largness and length of his 〈◊〉〈◊〉▪ and the doubling of his Note, called Cudling in the 〈◊〉〈◊〉.

These 〈◊〉〈◊〉 are very subject to 〈◊〉〈◊〉▪ the 〈◊〉〈◊〉 and 〈◊〉〈◊〉 in the Head. The best Cure for 〈◊〉〈◊〉▪ is to take them out of the Cage. and smoak them with 〈◊〉〈◊〉 then put fresh 〈…〉〈…〉 and set them in an hot place where the Sun shines, that they may ••ask them selves in the 〈◊〉〈◊〉. For the 〈◊〉〈◊〉 also, shift the [ 30] 〈…〉〈…〉. And for the 〈◊〉〈◊〉 in the 〈…〉〈…〉 from giving them too much 〈…〉〈…〉. Cure Give them some 〈…〉〈…〉 and 〈◊〉〈◊〉▪ with the Eggs. 〈…〉〈…〉 Water

The SKYLARK.

The Skylark is more handy than the 〈◊〉〈◊〉▪ and 〈◊〉〈◊〉 troublesom to keep; but [ 40] the 〈◊〉〈◊〉 to give them is much the same, as hard 〈…〉〈…〉 and 〈◊〉〈◊〉 and always let there be kept in the 〈◊〉〈◊〉 a Turf of fresh 〈◊〉〈◊〉

They Breed in 〈…〉〈…〉▪ or in high Turfs of Gran in 〈◊〉〈◊〉, and seldom have Young ones till Mid May.

They are taken several was, as already is treated of in a 〈◊〉〈◊〉 relating to the Taking them▪ to which I refer you. [ 50]

〈…〉〈…〉

THere are said to be five kinds of, 〈…〉〈…〉.

The 〈…〉〈…〉 hath great variety of pleasing 〈◊〉〈◊〉 and sings about nine Months in the Year They generally Breed three times in [ 60] a Year beginning early; but the first Birds usu∣ally prove the best.

The Young ones may be taken from the Old 〈◊〉〈◊〉 about fourteen days, keep them dry and clean from their 〈◊〉〈◊〉 and feed them with 〈◊〉〈◊〉 Meat and some 〈◊〉〈◊〉 together with bruised 〈…〉〈…〉 the Bread before you mingle it with the Meat; and let them have always fresh Water, and the bottom of the Cage kept clean, otherwise they will be troubled with the Cramp.

The BLACKBIRD.

THis Bird by the ordinary Country People is in much esteem, but not for its pleasant Note, nor its long continuance in Singing, fearce exceeding, three Months. Their food is much the same as for the Throsh, and are to be so ordered.

The STARLING.

THis is a very docile Bird, and if taken out of the Nest young is apt to learn both to ••alk and Whistle. 'Tis a hardy Bird; their food is Sheeps-Hearts, or other raw Flesh, hard Eggs minced, Hemp-seed, wet Bread, and the like.

CHAP. XXXII.

Of the WATER-SPANIEL, How to Train and Order him for the Game, useful in Fowl∣ing.

THe Water-Dog is of such general use, and so common amongst us, that there needs no great description of him; but there are great differences amongst them, as well in Proportion as otherwise. As to Colour, the Curious will make a difference, as the Black to be the best and hardiest, the Spotted or ••yed quickest of 〈◊〉〈◊〉, and the 〈◊〉〈◊〉 swiftest in Swimming: but in truth 〈◊〉〈◊〉 is nothing material▪ for without doubt there are good and bad of all 〈◊〉〈◊〉, and that by Experience is found: But his Breeding, Training-up, and the coming of a good ••••rd, are the chief things, yet it must be con∣feited, that as to handsomness the Colour is to be regarded so is the Proportion as to his Shape▪ and then his Head should be round, with curled Hair, his Ears broad and hanging, his Eyes full and lively, his Nose short, his Lips like unto an 〈◊〉〈◊〉, his Neck thick and short, his Shoulders broad, his Legs strait, his 〈◊〉〈◊〉 square, his Ribs with a compass, his 〈◊〉〈◊〉 round, his Thighs brawny, his 〈◊〉〈◊〉 gaunt, his P••ster••s strong, and 〈◊〉〈◊〉, and his Fore-feet long and round with his 〈◊〉〈◊〉 in general long and curled, not loose and ••••agged: for the first sheweth hardiness and strength to endure the Water, and the other much tenderness and weakness.

Now for the Training and Bringing him up, you can't begin too Early▪ I mean▪ to teach him 〈◊〉〈◊〉 when he can but Lap, for that is the 〈◊〉〈◊〉 thing to be learnt: for being made to Obey, he is then ready to do your Commands: Therefore so soon as he can Lap, teach him to

Couch, and Lye close, not daring to stir from that posture without your Command; and the better to effect this, always cherish him when he does your Will, and correct him when he disobeys; and be sure observe, that in the first Teaching him you never let him eat any thing, but when he does something to deserve it, that he may thereby know that Food is a thing that cometh not by chance, or by a liberal Hand, but only for a Reward for well doing; and this will [ 10] make him not only willing to Learn, but apt to remember what he is taught without Blows; and to that end, have no more Teachers or Feeders than one, for Variety breeds confusion, as teach∣ing divers ways, so that he can learn no way well.

Another thing is. You must be very constant to the Words of Direction by which you teach him, chusing such as are most petinent to the purpose, and those Words that you first use do [ 20] not alter, for D••gs take notice of the Sound, not of the English, so that the least alteration puts him to a stand: For Example, If you teach him to Couch at the Word Couch, and afterwards would have him Couch at the Word Down, this will be an unknown Command unto him; and I am of Opinion, that to use more Words than what is necessary, for one and the same thing, is to over load his Memory, and cause Forgetful∣ness in him. (And this Method should be ob∣served [ 30] as to the Setting-Dog.) You must teach him also to know the Word of Correction, or Reprehension, for no Lesson can be taught without a Fault, and no Fault should escape without Re∣prehension at the least of Chiding, and in this be as constant to a Word, as Go too Sirrah, Ha Ras∣cal, or the like, which at first should be used with a Last, or Jerk, to make him know that it is a Word of Wrath or Anger; neither must such Words proceed from you lovingly or gently, but [ 40] with Passion, and Roughness of Voice, together with Fierceness of Looks, that the Whelp may Tremble when he hears you thus speak to him.

You must have certain Words of Cherishing when he doth well, that he may be thereby en∣couraged, as That's a good Boy, Well done, or the like, using therewith Chearfulness of Speech, with Actions of Favour, as Spi••••ing in his Mouth, Clapping him on the Back, and the like. [ 50] You must also use some Words of Advice, that when he is at his Sport he may the better per∣form the same, and may serve as a Spur to put him forward with more Chearfulness of Spirit, as Take heed, Hem, or the like.

When your Whelp is brought to understand these several Words, viz. of Instruction, Corre∣ction, Cherishing, and Advice, and that he will Couch and Lye down at your Feet, how, when, and as long as you please, and that with a Word [ 60] or Look only, then teach him to Lead in a Line and Collar, and to follow at your Heels, without coming too close, or hanging back; and the meaning of this is, to teach him to be the more Familiar and Obedient unto you.

Having brought him to perfect Obedience, to follow you in a Line, the next thing must be to make him Follow you in the like Nature loose, without a Line, and always to be at your Heels, and to lye down by you without your leave to the contrary; and this is as necessary a Lesson as can be taught him, for he must be so but upon especial occasion, as to raise up Fowl from their Haunts, and to find out and bring such as you have shot, or killed, unto you.

The next Lesson to learn him is to Fetch and Carry any thing that you shall Command him, and this you may begin to teach him by the way of Sport, as by taking your Glove, and shaking it about his Head, making him to catch at it, and to play with it; and sometimes let him hold it in his Mouth, and strive to pull it from you; then cast it a little way from you, and let him Musse it on the Ground; then take it from him gently, giving him Cherishing words, as That's a good Boy, Well done, or the like. After you have spent some time in this, and that you find him to take it from the Ground, and to hold it in his Mouth as it were for you, then begin to cast it further and further, giving him your Command, saying Fetch, or Bring it Sir∣rah; and if he brings it, then Cherish and Re∣ward him with Meat, or a Crust of Bread, and let him have no food, but what he deserves by doing this Lesson, and by your continual Pra∣ctice he will fetch your Glove, or any thing else you shall throw out for him.

If at any time he offers to run away with your Glove, or to toss it up and down wantonly, not bringing it to you orderly; then first give him your Word of Instruction, and if that will not do, your Word of Correction, and if neither avail, then proceed to Blows, and give him nothing to eat as a Reward until he doth as you Command. When by this means you have made him per∣fect, and that he will fetch your Glove readily where e're you throw it, bringing it to you although in Company, and all call him to come to them, you must then make much of him, and Reward him very well: And having Trained him up to fetch your Glove, then proceed to teach him to fetch whatsoever you throw from you, as Staves, Nets, Stones, Money, or any thing that is portable.

Also teach him to carry live or dead Fowl, and with a tender Mouth, that when you have occa∣sion to use him for the Sport, he may bring them to you without tearing, or so much as bruising a Feather.

And as you walk with him in the Fields, drop something behind you unknown to him; and being gone a little way send him back to seek it, by saying, Back Sirrah, I have lost; and if at first he stand amazed urge him still, and cease not by pointing to him the Way you would have him go, until by seeking out he finds that which you so dropt, which make him take up by say∣ing That's it, and to bring it after you; then drop it again, going twice as far as formerly, causing him to go back to seek it, not leaving him till you have made him find it, and bring it to you; for which Cherish and Reward him, and where he fails there Chastise or Chide him, some∣times with angry Words, other times with Blows,

and sometimes keep him Fasting, according to his Offence; and thus do until he will hunt the way back which you went, were it above a Mile.

But if your Dog happen to bring to you a Wrong thing, you must receive it from him, and Cherish him; but send him back presently again, saying, Away again, or I have lost more, and be not satisfied until he bring you the right thing; and if he return without any thing, then be sure [ 10] both to Chide and Beat him for his Sloth and Negligence.

When he will thus Fetch, Carry, and Find out things thus lost, then Train him to hunting, be∣ginning, first with ••ame-fowl, which by your help, (when they Dive, or otherwise) you may with little labour make him take, which will much hearten and encourage him to the Sport. After this make him use all his Cunning▪ without your assistance, whether he gets or loseth the Game, and [ 20] according to his desert Reward or Correct him; and by this Practice he will become Master of his Game▪ and be sure always that he brings his Game (when taken) to the Shoar unto you, with∣out hurting it.

Your next business shall be to Train him un∣to your Fowling-Piece, causing him to follow as it were step by step behind you, and under the Covert of your Shadow until you have Shot, or else to Couch down, or Lye close, where you ap∣point [ 30] him, by saying, Lye close, until you have Shot: and then upon the least Notice or Beckon, speedily to come, and to do what you Command.

Some Dogs are so expert as to have their Eye on the Game, and upon a Guns going off im∣mediately run to fetch it; but 'tis not adjudged so good, for the Piece should not be the Warning to him, but your Command; and if you give him this Liberty at your Shooting, when you come [ 40] amongst your Nets, or Lime-Reds, as soon as he seeth the ••owl entangled, and to flutter their Wings, he will pre••ently rush in amongst them, which will occasion the spoyling your Lime-Reds, and the tearing or entangling your Nets.

The 〈◊〉〈◊〉 is of great use in Moulting-time, that is, when the Wild-fowl cast their Feathers, and can't fly, but lye lurking about in Secret places; which Season is between Summer and [ 50] Autumn, at which time take your Dog into such places where they resort, causing him to hunt about, and when he finds them they are easily taken, by reason they can't fly. In Fenny Coun∣tries (where Fowl do much resort) great quanti∣ties may be so taken, driving them into places where you must have Nets ready fixed, as in Narrow 〈◊〉〈◊〉, or the like. These Fowl, if taken and kept tame, and fed with Beast-Livers, Whey, Curds, 〈…〉〈…〉, Sca••l'd-Bran, and the like, are [ 60] excellent 〈◊〉〈◊〉, far surpassing those absolutely Wild, both for plumpness and fatness of Body, as also for sweetness of last.

There are divers other things that your 〈◊〉〈◊〉 are and may be taught, as taking off ones Hat, shutting of a Door, and the like, all which I forbear as things not absolutely necessa∣ry for our purpose, and chiefly to please the Fancy.

CHAP. XXXIII.

Of the Setting-Dog, with Rules to choose one, and to Train him up from a Whelp, to come to Perfection.

OF all sorts of Dogs there is none so fit and proper to be made a Setting Dog, as a Land Spaniel, by reason of their Natural Incli∣nation to Ranging and Beating about a Field; But any Dog whether a Water Spaniel, or a Mun∣gri•• betwixt both, or indeed a L••rcher or Tumbler, or any Dog that hath a perfect good Scent, and naturally addicted to the Hunting of Fowl, may be brought to be a Setter.

You should choose one of a good and nimble size, rather small than large and corpulent, of a high Mettle, and free for the Sport, being a nimble Ranger, of Active Feet, wanton Stern, busy Nostrils, and quick Scent, that his Toil be without weariness, his search without changable∣ness, and yet that no delight or desire of the Game▪ Transport him beyond Fear or Obedience; for it is the best Sign of a good Spaniel, never to be fearful, but always loving to his Master, yet of a bold Courage.

Some are so curious in observing the Colours, but that I Judge a vain thing, for all Colours are alike, if the natural qualities be perfect and answerable to your design. But those aforesaid properties can't be known whilst they are young, therefore your great care is to make choise from a good and right Breed; and having so done, you may begin to teach him at five or six Months old, as being then very Tractable, for the elder they are the more stuborn to learn, nor will they re∣tain their Learning so well.

The first thing is to teach him to be loving and familiar to you above all others, taking his only delight in your Company; and the better to ef∣fect it, let none feed him but your self, for by this means he will not only be loving and fond, but obedient and careful of your Displeasure, a Frown or a sharp word making the same effect as Blows, for beating takes off their Courage, and makes them dull and dead Spirited.

Your Whelp being thus brought to the know∣ledge of you, and to follow you in a Line with∣out any Reluctancy; your next business is to teach him to couch and lye close to the Ground, first, by laying him down, saying, lye close, lye close, or the like words of Command; and ter∣rifying him with rough words when he doth any thing contrary to your desire, giving him not only good words and cherishing, but Food when he obeys your Commands; and by this means you will bring him to such Obedience, and perfect Understanding, that when at any time you shall

[illustration]

〈◊〉〈◊〉 Setting Dogg & Partridg••••

To y^e. R^t. Worshipfull S^r. John Shelley of Michelgrove in Sussex Baronet

This Plate is humbly Dedicat∣ed by Richard Blome

say lye close, down, or the like, he will do it at a word, without any awkerdness.

Then about a Yard distance lay down a piece of Bread or Meat, crying go near, making him creep to it, but before he comes to it speak smartly to him, biding him lye down, take heed, or the like, which obeying, give him your Commands by crying Hey, or the like words, to signifie him to creep forwards to it, and let him eat it, ma∣king much of him; and be careful not to be too [ 10] severe in your sharp Words or Corrections (especi∣ally at first) for that may spoil him; and being thus at command to Couch down at your word, and always with his Head from you, make him creep forward by saying go near, go near, or the like; and if he offers to raise up his Head or any part of his Body, forthwith thrust it down to the Ground, saying down, down, or the like; and if that will not do, correct him gently with a Whip, or by biting his Ear, for by no means beat him [ 20] about his Head, for that makes him dull, and will spoil him; and be sure when you thus Chastise him, have him always in a String (as indeed at all times during his making) that he may not run from you; and this Method observe until he is very expert, Couching at your Command, creeping on his Belly as far as you please, and lying still un∣til you give him your Command to rise; so that at any time when you walk abroad with him in the Fields, and wantonly he rangeth about, up∣on [ 30] his first hearing your Commands to lye down, he Coucheth down, and so lyeth till your further Commands.

Having brought him to this Obedience and Knowledge, then take him into the Field to Range about, suffering him to Spring any Bird or Game, not Correcting him at the first, which will encou∣rage him the better, and thus do for about a Week, exercising him daily; and when he hath been used three or four times to Spring Patridges, he will [ 40] not follow any other small Bird, sticking only to them.

Take notice that you give not a Bitch that correction as a Dog, for she will not endure so much; and what a Dog learneth one Day, he will retein it, but a Bitch is apt to forget, so that she must have the oftner teaching.

If you can get a Spaniel that hath been accusto∣med to the Hawk (although a year and a half old) he will be sooner made; for then there will [ 50] be no need to give him the liberty of Springing without checking; for they will mind no other Game but the Partridge.

Having brought him to know his Game, and that he is so Staunch, as to Hunt close and warily without questing or opening, provide a Bullocks Liver boyled, (which hath the same Scent of the Partridge.) Then take your Dog in a Line, which must be about 15 Yards long to lengthen out on occasion; and take in your Hawking Bag a good [ 60] piece of the Liver, about the bigness of a penny Loaf cut into small pieces, and lead him into the Field, and as you are going (your Dog being by your side or following you, for he must not go before you) give him your Commands to fall down as aforesaid; and if he doth it not, correct him, rewarding him with some of the Liver if he observes your Commands; then go a little further commanding him down again, saying down, and thus do until he will Couch at the first word; and being brought to this command, turn your face to him, and take the Line by which he is led, gently pulling him by it crying down, down, so that he will not rise without pulling almost by force; then go to him, take him up in your Arms, and carry him two or three Yards, then set him down making much of him, but not letting him go out of the Line from you. When he is at this command by often using this way, teach him to Hunt by hand, which is thus done. Take a piece of the Liver about the bigness of a Walnut, which shewing him in your Hand, and letting him smell to it, cast it down which way you please, but at a small Distance at first, saying hey, hey, shewing it him several times before you cast it forth; then let him go to it, and eat it, still having him in the Line. Then take another piece of the Liver, shewing it him as aforesaid; and cast it from you a little further than at the first time, and permit him to go to it, and eat it for his Reward. Thus do several times still cast∣ing it further and further; and as he is going you may give him your Commands, crying hastily Down, Down, so that he immediately falls down with his face towards the Liver, and lye close till you give him your Commands to rise, by crying Hey, and pointing with your Hand for him to go forward to the Liver, and so suffer him to eat it; then call him to you, and make much of him.

The reason of teaching him thus to Hunt with the Liver, is to bring him not only to the Scent of the Partridge, and to be at command, to lye down, and the like, but also to observe your Motion which way you cast it, that thereby when he is beating about the Field, upon your crying Hey to him; and moving your Hand he may know by the Motion thereof which way to Hunt, either to the right or left. And he must be very expert in this, before you suffer him to Hunt loose, for he can't be at too much command.

Being thus expert at this, and also at great command, when he is Hunting at about fifteen yards distance, which is the length of the Line, on a suddain cry Down, then go round him at a small Distance at first, taking the Circuit larger and larger, crying Down, that he stir not (which he may be apt to do being at some Distance from you, as thinking that he should follow you) and then giving him a jerk with the Line crying Down, by which he will know that he must not stir.

Being thus used and that he is expert therein, and at command let him Hunt at liberty, but with the Line hanging at length dragging after him; and as he is thus Hunting loose, on a sud∣dain give him your commands to lye Down, and Peg the end of the Line to the Ground to hinder his runing away; then pitch down your Staff or Pole, to which fasten your Line of the Net at some Distance from him, and having the other end of the Net in your Hand, gently draw the Net over him as he lieth; and if he offers to stir at your doing it, rebuke him, making him lye close, saying Down, Down, and so draw it over

him backwards and forwards, that when you shall come to draw the Net over him when he sitteth Partridges, he will not be afraid, knowing what he is to do. And the Reason of the fastning the Line to the Ground that he is lead in, is to keep him from runing away at the first, if in case the drawing over the Net should frighten him, as at first is usual.

When he is thus made perfect, and that he endures to have the Net drawn over him without [ 10] stiring, and that he is come to a good Scent to know the Partridge from the Lark, or any other Game, be provided with a Brace, or Leesh of live Partridges, which carry into the Field, and hav∣ing Strings to their Legs, peg them down to the Ground, which should be done over night, to the end he may not know they were there placed by you; and for your mark of direction to know where they are when you come to Hunt with him, place up a Bough near them, to the end that [ 20] when by beating about the Field he comes near then, that is, at about Ten or Twelves Yards distance having his Line dragging after him, and gaining the Point to be under the Wind of them, give him your Command to lie down; then round your Dog Five, Six, or Seven times, to find where they are, as also that he may know his Duty; then come up to him, and peg the End of the Line down to the Ground, that when you have drawn the Net over the Partridges he may not [ 30] rise at their Fluttering, as they will do. Then set a Pole or Staff on the side of the Partridges at a reasonable distance, to which six the Line, and gently draw it over your Dog, and let it lie Spread all over. And fearing that your first Net will not be sufficient to spread over the Partrid∣ges, be provided with another, the End of which tie to your Staff, and draw down the Wind to∣wards the Game, so that both Nets may meet, which will spread over a good quantity of Ground. [ 40] Then make into your Nets, take the Partridges, and make up your Nets, all which time cause him to lie close, without stiring, and having so done, go to him, and reward him with one of the Necks of the Partridges, permitting him to take their Blood. And if you chance to miss, however re∣ward him with some of the Liver, as afore∣said.

After this method do several times, by which means when he comes to know the Scent of the [ 50] Patridge, he will know how to set a Covey, and you will also know at what distance he sits, for the laying over the Nets.

Note, that when you correct your Dog, al∣ways have him in a Line that he may not run away, and also lead him some distance after his correction. Also always when you go into the Field, and when you come out, lead him in a Line, until he is perfectly made. And Note, that the best time to enter your Dog (provided he [ 60] knows his Game) is in Paring time, for then you will find more Game, (that is, more Pares) than before you can Coveys; and also at that time the Partridges will lie more close, and not be so apt to spring, which is a great Encouragement to your Dog. Also Note, that you never let your Dog Hunt too long in hot Weather without Water, for that brings them to the Falling-Sickness, which French Dogs are more subject unto than Eng∣lish.

When you have brought your Dog to this staunch and obedient Hunting, and that you find him come upon the Haunt of any Patridge, which you shall know by his great eagerness in Hunt∣ing, as also by Wagging his Stern; then speake to him, saying Take heed, Ware, Down, or the like, to keep him from springing them; but if either he rusheth in, or Quest so that he springs them, take him up and correct him well, keeping him some time after in his Line that you may not dis∣courage him; then cast him off again to Hunt in some other Haunt where you think to find a Covey, and as before give him warning, and if you see that he makes a Point, give him your Commands to fall, and taking Range about him, look if you can find them, and if he hath set them at too great a distance, give him your Commands to creep nearer, saying, go nearer, go nearer, making him creep upon his Belly towards them, until you think he is near enough; then make him lie close without stiring, and draw over the Net or Nets as before directed, and be sure to cherish and reward him well as aforesaid.

But if it so happen that he spring then through his rudeness, or want of care, then correct him se∣verely, and take him up in your Line, lead him Home, tying him up for that Night, without giv∣ing him one bit of Food, and the next Day take him to the field in your string, and cast him off to Hunt about, as before directed, giving him harsh Words, to the end he may call to mind his former Fault, and be sensible of your displea∣sure, which will make him the more careful to obey your Commands, and if he doth well che∣rish and reward him, which will much encourage him.

Some Dogs will stand up in their Setting, which is a great Fault, so that they must be brought from it. Also 'tis a gross Fault for them to rush in after them, when you go to spring them into your Nets; therefore be sure he is in such Com∣mand as not to stir until you have taken them up, as aforesaid.

There is one more material thing to be observed, and that is to know the nature of your Dog, how he sets the Partridges, whether at hand, or at a distance; for thereby you must be guided to draw over the Nets, otherwise you may Spring them and no Fault of the Dogs.

CHAP. XXXIV.

An Abstract of certain Statute-Laws in Force, relating to Fowl∣ing.

NOne shall take Pheasants, or Partridges with Engines in another Mans Ground, with∣out Licence, on pain of forfeiting 10 s. to be di∣vided

betwixt the Owner of the Ground, and the Prosecutor. 11 Hen. 7. Chap. 17.

None shall destroy, or take away the Eggs of any Wild-fowl, upon Forfeiture for every one of a Crane or Bustard, 20 d. of a Hern or Bittern, 8 d. and of a Duck, Teal, or other Wild-fowl, 1 d. to be divided betwixt the King and the Prosecutor. Stat. 25 Hen. 8. Chap. 11.

None shall kill or take any Pheasants or Par∣tridges, with any Net or Engine in the Night Sea∣son, [ 10] upon Forfeiting 20 s. for every Pheasant, and 10 s. for every Partridge; and upon Non-pay∣ment of the said Fine, within ten Days, then to suffer a Months Imprisonment without Bail, and to enter into Bond with good Sureties for two Years, before a Justice of the Peace, not offend in the like kind.

Every Person convicted by his own Confes∣sion, or by the Oaths of two Witnesses, before two or more Justices of the Peace, to have killed [ 20] or taken any Pheasant, Partridge, Pigeon, or other Game; or to have taken or destroyed the Eggs of Pheasants, Partridges, or Swans, shall be com∣mitted to Prison without Bail, except he forth∣with pay to the use of the Poor where the Offence was committed, or where he was Apprehended, 20 s. for every Fowl, or Egg, so killed, taken, or destroyed; and after one Months Imprisonment, shall be bound with two sufficient Sureties in 20 l. a piece, not to offend in the like case. [ 30]

2. Every Person so Convicted to keep a Grey∣hound, Dog, or Net; to kill or take Deer, Hares, Pheasants, or Partridges (unless he have 10 l. per Annum Estate, a Lease for Life of 30 l. per Annum, or be worth in Goods 200 l. or be the Son of a Noble Man, or Knight, or Heir to an E∣squire) shall suffer Imprisonment, as aforesaid; or pay to the use of the Poor 40 s. for such Of∣fence, as aforesaid.

3. None shall Sell, or Buy to Sell again, any [ 40] Pheasant, or Partridge (except by them reared up, or brought from Beyond Sea) on Forfeiture for every Pheasant 20 s. and for every Partridge 10 s. to be divided betwixt the Prosecutor, and the Poor of the Parish where such Offence is committed. Stat. 1. Jacobi Cap. 27.

Every Person convicted by his own Con∣fession, or by the Oaths of two Witnesses, be∣fore two or more Justices of the Peace, to have Hawked, or destroyed any Pheasant or Partridge, betwixt the first of July and the last of August, shall suffer one Months Imprisonment without Bail, or pay to the use of the Poor where the Offence was committed, or where he was Ap∣prehended, 40 s. for every time so Hawking, and 20 s. for every Pheasant or Partridge so taken or destroyed; but this Offence shall be Prose∣cuted within six Months after the Offence com∣mitted.

II. It shall be lawful for every Lord of a Mannor, or having Free Warren, Inheritance of 40 l. per Annum, Free-hold of 80 l. per Annum, or Goods worth 400 l. or their Servants Licensed by them, to take Pheasants or Partridges within their own Grounds or Precincts; Provided they do it in the Day time, and only betwixt Micha∣elmass and Christmas.

III. If any Person of a Mean Condition be Convicted by his own Confession, or by one Witness upon Oath, before two or more Justices of the Peace, to have killed or taken any Phea∣sant or Partridge with Dogs, Nets, or Engines, shall be committed to Prison without Bail, un∣less he pay to the use of the Poor, as aforesaid, 20 s. for every Pheasant or Partridge so killed or taken, and also become bound in a Recognizance of 20 l. never to commit the said Offence.

IV. Every Constable, or Headborough, upon Warrant under the Hand and Seal of two Ju∣stices of the Peace, hath power to search the Houses of Suspected Persons to keep any Set∣ting Dogs, or Nets, for the Taking of Pheasants or Partridges, and Nets there found, to kill and cut in pieces at pleasure, as things Forfeited to the said Officer.