46 



THE BOOK OF DUCK DECOYS. 



connect {see full-page illustration facing page 34), and these are lashed just 

 as are the lathes of the taller screens. 



When making the screens the back or thin laths are tied loosely at 

 first on to the fixed rails, and as the reeds are wedged in between they are 

 secured by the two sets of rails being lashed tight together at i ft. intervals. 



The reeds are placed as level as possible at the top of the screen when 



iWmsssis^ ^5<^S! 



V 



FRAMEWORK OF A SCREEN. 



it is being made, and then tapped down in line with a flat board the size 

 and shape of a tennis racquet, but larger. 



The Decoyman or assistant, if the screens are well arranged in 

 "echelon," should be able to pass from the tail end of the pipe to its 

 entrance, or visit any particular screen to take a survey down the pipe 



REAR OF A SCREEN, SHOWlNt; TYING 

 LATHES. 



FRONT OF A SCREEN. 



without being perceived by any fowl below him in it, or on the pond. He 

 should also be able to show himself to, and so drive up, any fowl in the 

 pipe without his action being perceived by other birds on the main pond. 

 For this reason the screen at the head show projects over the water.* For 

 arrangement of screens see zigzag lines, p, p, p, on folding plan facing 

 page 57- 



* The reeds should be cut and stored in March when dead and dry. They are about 

 6 ft. high, round and feathered, and grow in the fen country in profusion. If reeds cannot be 

 obtained, straw may be substituted, but it is never so satisfactory. 



