36 THE BOOK OF DUCK DECOYS. 



should be clear of growth other than low shrubs, from the second elbow 

 grass should extend on both sides {see plan facing page 57). 



This is very important, as then, when the ducks are frightened up by 

 the Decoyman at the show place, they do not hesitate to follow on round 

 the bend of the pipe. That is, if they see plenty of sky before them 

 instead of a dark wall of trees. 



So bear in mind that the delusion of an open space for the birds 

 to escape through is immensely assisted by there being plenty of light in 

 front of, and from the bend of, the pipe, and on beyond its tail. As Decoy- 

 men say, to drive ducks well the latter must see "out of doors." 



When a pipe is spoken of as the " North " or the " East " pipe, it 

 does not mean that the said pipes point due North or due East. 



It certainly implies that they run in those directions, but the true im- 

 plication is that the north pipe is the one that can be best worked with a 

 northerly wind, the east pipe with an easterly wind, and so forth. 



The Hoops that arch over the ditch should be of round iron. Flat ones 

 stand a weight of snow better if placed edgeways, but then have a heavy 

 appearance. 



They may be i in. in diameter for the first twelve hoops, then -g- up 

 to the last bend of the pipe, that is for the next fourteen hoops. 



From thence to the tail end f of an inch only. 



The hoops are spaced all along the pipe its entire length 5 ft. apart on 

 its outside curve. On its inside these distances vary a little to suit its 

 bend. 



The head or first hoop can be 1 5 ft. high above the water. 



The hoop at the first bend i 2 ft. high ; and at the second bend, that is 

 opposite the last screen, 9 ft. The last hoop of all 2 ft. 



These three hoops will span from foot to foot respectively: — 27ft.; 

 20 ft. ; 13 ft. ; and 2 ft. The round of the first hoop is 46 to 47 ft., and 

 all the others correspond in outline. 



These dimensions are for a full-sized pipe, the cutting of which I have 

 just described, but a pipe may be a foot or two less in width at the entrance 

 if the nature of the eround necessitates an alteration in favour of a nar- 



