Birdlime

An adhesive substance that can be spread on branches, twigs, or other surfaces where a bird, monkey, or other small animal might be caught. It can also be used as a fireproof coating on wood. Thieves may use it to make their fingers sticky in order to pilfer small objects.
Birdlime can be made from holly bark, boiled for 10 to 12 hours until a green coating appears and can be separated. The remainder is then stored in a moist place for two weeks, pounded into a thick paste until no wood fibres remain, and washed in running water until no small specks appear. After fermenting and skimming for four or five additional days, the substance is mixed over a fire with a third part of nut oil. It is then ready for use.