HISTORY OF DECOYS. 143 



many as from 1,000 to 2,000 of the aquatic species on his low lands, 

 when the water is out along the course of the Nene, and that he has 

 obtained almost every kind of duck here, including Gadwall. 



Borouzh Fen, 6 miles N. of Peterborough, between Peakirk and 

 Crowland, and 2 miles NE. of the former town, near the S. bank of the 

 River Welland. — ^There is a fine Decoy here, in good working order, with 

 eight pipes, rented by Mr. John B. Williams, who informs me that it 

 has been in the occupation of his family for over 200 years, and that he has 

 been at great expense in repairing and improving it, but unfortunately he 

 has kept no record of the annual captures made, which were formerly very 

 large. 



There is no doubt that this Decoy is one of the oldest established in 

 England. Mr. Williams states that when searching documents at the 

 Bedford Level Office in Ely, he came upon an application, in one of the 

 Minute Books, dated 1670, made by the Earl of Lincoln, requesting from 

 the Drainage Commissioners permission to pierce the embankment of 

 the River Welland to lead a ditch to his Decoy to supply it with water. 

 This Decoy, and the estate round it, originally belonged to the Earl of 

 Lincoln ; it then came into the posession of Lord Eardley, then Sir Culling 

 Eardley Smith, Bart, and it now belongs to Mrs. F. S. Culling Hanbury, 

 of Bedwell Park, Herts, the daughter and heiress of the late Sir Culling 

 Eardley, Bart. 



The Decoy lies between the Rivers Nene and Welland, in the extreme 

 NE. corner of Northamptonshire. 



Decoys in the County of Nottingham. 



Though Nottinghamshire is one of the most central, as well as culti- 

 vated counties of England, it possesses three Decoys. 



These are, however, of peculiar structure, being trap or cage Decoys. 

 The fowl, instead of being fed or enticed up pipes, and then driven, as is 

 the usual custom, are treated quite a different way, as will be seen on 

 perusing the account of the Decoys that pertain to the county. Notting- 

 hamshire boasts some very large lakes, such as those at Clumbe7', the 



