60 EQUIPMENT. 



low decoys, of two and one-half inches in thickness, 

 answer Fully as well, as the water is seldom rough. 



Each decoy should be provided with a sepa- 

 rate line and anchor, which last should be of 

 lead, if convenient, as it is less liable to scratch 

 the. paint from decoys than anything else. This 

 need never exceed four ounces weight. The line 

 should be what is known as " sixteen thread " 

 seine twine, about one-tenth inch thick, of a length 

 adapted to the depth of water, and attached to 

 the staple or leather in the breast of the decoy. 

 Instead of winding the line round the neck of 

 the decoy, as is often done, the proper way is 

 to wind it tightly round the middle, which 

 may be done in much less time, an item of 

 importance when taking up decoys in a heavy 

 wind. And in setting them out again, instead of 

 unwinding them turn by turn, the decoy should 

 be taken by the head in one hand, and the lead 

 thrown with the other to the place desired, the 

 turns coming off towards the tail as the lead is 

 thrown. A large flock of decoys may be set out 

 in this way in a remarkably short time. 



In this connection it will, I think, be well to 

 give a few directions as to the management of 

 the boat when taking up decoys in a heavy 



