146 THE BOOK OF DUCK DECOYS. 



enclosed. This is done without in the least alarming the other fowl on 

 the water, and the captives are left until after flight time, when the keeper 

 returns, puts off in a small punt, enters the cage, and wrings their necks. 

 The greatest number of fowl ever taken at one time was 1 7, the average 

 number taken annually being about 60 ; but the Decoy is only used to 

 supply the house, and no regular account is kept. (See Hardwick, page 71.) 



WoolatoH Hall, 3 miles W. of Nottingham, and the residence of Lord 

 Middleton. 



In the grounds at Woolaton is a lake of 23 acres, with a small island 

 at its northern extremity. On the island was formerly placed a small 

 cage, for entrapping ducks, similar to those at Hardwick, Park Hall, 

 Haughton, and Ossington. Its age is unknown, it is out of repair, and 

 has long since ceased to be used. 



Near the lake, on its west side, and about the year 1825, a well- 

 planned three-pipe Decoy was constructed, which consisted of an acre of 

 water. 



It was last worked in 1845, but being so near Nottingham, and in 

 such a populated district, the takes were small, and not exceeding for many 

 seasons 100 fowl, it was finally dismantled. 



Decoys in the County of Oxford. 

 Decoys in use. Decoys not in use. 



None. I Tythrop. 



Tythrop Decoy. — Tythrop, though in Oxfordshire, is a liberty of the 

 parish of Kingsey, Bucks, and is 2 miles NE. of Thame. Tythrop 

 House, which is situated f of a mile from the Decoy, was the seat of James 

 Herbert, sixth son of the Earl of Pembroke, who was Chamberlain 

 to Charles I., and from him it has passed by devise and descent to the 

 present owner, P. J. D. Wykeham, Esq. 



This Decoy is probably a very ancient one, but it cannot be ascertained 

 up to what period it was worked. There is no one in Kingsey or in the 

 adjoining parish of Haddenham who has ever heard of its being used. 



