Domestic Encyclopædia (1802)/Jack-daw

JACK-DAW, or Corvus monedula, L. a notorious bird, that is a native of Britain. It breeds in steeples, old castles, and on lofty rocks, where the females deposit five or six eggs.

The jack-daw is a gregarious bird, feeding on insects, seeds, and grain. It is equally mischievous in the fields as well as in the gardens, and is so prone to stealing, that it carries away more than is necessary for its subsistence. Hence various methods have been contrived for taking this depredrator: one of the most effectual is that practised in some parts of England, and which is so ingenious, that it deserves to be more generally known.

A stake, about five feet long, is first driven firmly into the ground; the upper point is previously made so sharp that no bird can possibly settle on it. Within a foot of the top is bored a hole, three quarters of an inch in diameter, through which a stick is put, about eight inches in length. A horse-hair noose is next fixed to a thin wand made of hazel, which is passed through the hole: the remainder being left open beneath the transverse stick. The other end of the hazel rod is then introduced into another hole in the stake near the ground, where it is fastened. The stake should now be placed in a situation which is frequented by the bird in quest of food, when he will consequently be induced to alight on it; but, on finding the point too sharp, he will probably settle on the little transverse stick: as this sinks with his weight, his leg will be effectually secured in the noose.