Or he could listen in the evening for
the calling of the birds as they run together. The net being set, he
walked very slowly down the wind towards the covey. It could not be done
too quietly or gently, because if one got up all the rest would
immediately take wing; for partridges act in concert. If he took his
time and let them run in front of him he secured the whole number. That
was the principle; but the nets were of many kinds: the partridges were
sometimes driven in by a dog. The partridges that appear in the market
on the morning of the 1st of September are said to be netted, though
probably by those who have a right to do so. These birds by nature lend
themselves to such tricks, being so timid. It is said that if
continually driven to and fro they will at last cower, and can be taken
by hand or knocked over with a stick.
The sight of a paper kite in the air makes them motionless till forced
to rise; and there was an old dodge of ringing a bell at night, which so
alarmed the covey that they remained still till the net was ready, when
a sudden flash of light drove them into it. Imagine a poacher ringing a
bell nowadays! Then, partridges were peculiarly liable to be taken; now,
perhaps, they escape better than any other kind of game. Except with a
gun the poacher can hardly touch them, and after the coveys have been
broken up it is not worth his while to risk a shot very often.
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