CONSTRUCTION OF A DECOY— FENCING. 43 



on ; there the wind that protects them is just the one to work the pipe near 

 which they are sitting so unsuspectingly. 



Therefore on no part of the shores of a Decoy pond should there exist 

 convenient resting-places for the birds except near the entrances to each 

 pipe, for the obvious reason that the Decoyman wants the fowl to be 

 within easy reach of any pipe or pipes when they do come ashore to rest. 

 The best pipes and landings should be placed to face the sun as much as 

 possible, for the fowl will always choose the warmest spots on which to sit 

 and dry their plumage, especially the young birds whose feathers are not 

 yet quite waterproof. 



If a Decoy pond or its pipes be dug out of sandy soil, they will 

 require all round their edges a twisted wattle fence, reaching from the 

 bed of the pond to the surface of the water to keep the sides from 

 crumbling in. 



To protect the Decoy pond from vermin, foxes, or disturbance gene- 

 rally, a wire netting of 4 ft. high above ground should be run round its 

 outside and attached to substantial posts, with here and there a hand-gate, 

 so that each pipe can be safely approached against the wind. 



If a Decoy is in a large wood, this netting can be put inside the wood 

 and round the Decoy so as just to clear the tails of the pipes. 



This protection is very necessary, as foxes play havoc with the tame 

 Decoy ducks. Rabbits are also a great nuisance, as they burrow in and 

 destroy the banks, as well as cause uneasiness to the wild ducks by frisking 

 about and scampering and rattling through the underwood. 



If a Decoy is within sight of a road or houses, it will need on that 

 side of it a 6 ft. high, close paling, and careful planting, to shut it in from 

 outside view. A ditch can be dug outside any protective paling, which 

 makes the latter much less negotiable to those who have mischievous or 

 curious tendencies. If a 6 ft. high park paling, spaced i in. apart and the 

 lathes pointed, be placed round the Decoy, it will not only keep out all 

 trespassers, both men and animals, but will form one of the best pheasant 

 aviaries possible. Evergreen privet is the thickest and quickest growing 

 shrub to plant about a Decoy, or on the banks, besides being an excellent 

 shelter for game of all kinds. 



