A considerable portion of the food supply is secured by hunting and
fishing. Small birds are captured by placing a sticky substance on bare
limbs of fruit-bearing trees, or by fastening gummed sticks in places
frequented by birds. When a victim alights on this it is held securely
until captured by the hunter. Fig. 51 shows another method of securing
such small game. A cord with a noose at one end is attached to a bent
limb. In the center of this cord is tied a short stick which acts as a
trigger. This trigger is placed with the top end pressing against an
arched twig _a_, while the other end draws _b_ against the sides of the
arch. Other sticks rest on _b_ and on them is a covering of leaves on
which is placed bait and the open noose. The weight of a bird or small
animal on the cross-piece is sufficient to release the trigger and then
the bent limb draws the noose taut.