# Domestic Encyclopædia (1802)/Bird-lime

Edition of 1802.
​BIRD-LIME is a viscid matter used for catching birds.—There are different ways of preparing this substance, but it is generally made of holly bark, which is boiled ten or twelve hours; and when its green rind is separated, it is covered up in a moist place, to stand for a fortnight. It is afterwards reduced to a tough paste, and washed in a running stream, till no impurities appear. Next, it is suffered to ferment for four or five days, during which it must be frequently skimmed. Afterwards it is mixed over the fire, with a third part of nut-oil, or thin grease, and thus rendered fit for use.
Dr. Darwin observes, that this resinous material possesses uncommon adhesiveness to feathers, and other dry, porous bodies; whence it has obtained the name of bird-lime. It much resembles the caoutchouc, or elastic resin, imported from South America; and is also similar to a fossil elastic bitumen found near Matlock, in Derbyshire; both in its elasticity and inflammability. He farther suggests, that holly may be worth cultivating, both for its wood, and the quantity it contains of this elastic matter. On this occasion, the Doctor mentions a remarkable fact, deserving the attention of rural economists. About thirty years ago, a person who purchased a wood in Yorkshire, sold the bird-lime prepared from the bark of the numerous holly-trees, to a Dutch merchant, for nearly the whole sum given for the wood. If, therefore, this substance could be hardened, it might probably be substituted for the caoutchouc, or India-rubber.
The German method of preparing bird-lime is, by putting about two pounds of lintseed oil into a pot, to simmer upon the fire for some time, after which it is taken off, and lighted with a match. In this state of inflammation, it continues about two hours, when half the quantity will be consumed. By dipping, from time to time, a stick into the oil, and trying the matter between the fingers, its proper glutinous consistence may be easily ascertained; on which the pot is covered, and the flame extinguished.
Water bird-lime may be prepared as follows: Take a pound of strong and good ordinary bird-lime, wash it thoroughly in ​water, till it become perfectly soft; next beat it well, that the water may be entirely separated; then dry it, put it into an earthen pipkin, and add to it as much capon's or goose-grease as will render it fluid. In this state of the preparation, add two spoonfuls of strong vinegar, one spoonful of oil, and a small quantity of Venice turpentine. Let the whole boil for a few minutes over a moderate fire, stirring it during that process. Then take it off; but, previous to its use, warm it, and cover the twigs with it in every direction. This is the best bird-lime for snipes, or such birds as frequent marshy places.
The proper method of using bird-lime is, to cut down the principal branch of a tree, the twigs of which are straight, long, and smooth. The willow and birch are the best for this purpose. After the superfluous shoots have been lopped, and the twigs cleaned, they must be uniformly covered with the bird-lime, to within four inches of the bottom; but the main stem should not be touched by this matter. Great care is required in laying it on properly; for, if too thick, it will alarm the birds, and prevent their approach; and, if too small a quantity be applied, it will not hold them when they settle upon it. The branch thus prepared, must be erected in a hedge, or among some growing bushes. If employed in summer, it should be placed in a quickset hedge, in groves, bushes, or white-thorn trees, near corn-fields, &c.; but in winter, the best spots are near stacks of corn, sheds, or barns. The sportsman ought to stand as near the limed bush as possible, and imitate the notes of birds with a call. When a bird is attracted to the bush, and entangled by the lime, the sportsman should suffer it to remain; as by the fluttering it makes to disengage itself, others will be attracted to the bush, and thus several maybe taken together. The hours proper for this sport, are from sun-rise till ten o'clock; and from one, to sun-set. Another method of attracting birds is, by a stale; a bat makes a very good stale, but it must be fixed so as to be perceptible at a distance. An owl is still more eligible for this purpose, being followed by the small birds, whenever it appears. If a live owl, or bat, cannot be obtained, the skin of one stuffed will likewise answer; nay, even the image of an owl carved in wood, and painted of the natural colour, will produce the desired effect.
When the German composition is used, care should be taken to seize the bird, when entangled, to prevent it from attempting to free itself by its beak; otherwise it will be destroyed by the deleterious effect of the oil.