HISTORY OF DECOYS. loi 



extent and has five pipes ; it is in a small plantation, and has a moat round 

 it 1 8 ft. wide, which is filled during high tides — a useful adjunct to ensure the 

 privacy of the Decoy as well as to keep out vermin from the Decoy grounds. 

 This Decoy, though its takes are now comparatively small to what they 

 were formerly, is kept up in admirable order by its owner, who takes much 

 interest in it. 



Its exact age is unknown, but there is conclusive evidence to prove 

 that it has been in existence for 1 50 years. 



Many years ago it was partly re-constructed by one of the Skeltons. 



In 1754 the Decoy was much improved by the then Mr. Blackburne, 

 who at that date came to settle at Hale from Orford Hall, near Warrington, 

 where there had also long been a Decoy, though abandoned now for many 

 years. 



The owner of the Hale Decoy has in his possession the Decoy book 

 connected therewith, and which has been kept since iSoi. 



Teal predominate amongst the fowl now taken, though formerly Wild- 

 duck were most abundant. For instance, in the following seasons it will 

 be seen the latter bird was in the majority : — 



However, in 1875 came a change, for Teal suddenly appeared in the 

 Decoy, and were caught in a much greater proportion than before, the 

 Duck now being in the minority. For example, in 



