HISTORY OF DECOYS. 175 



Decovs in the County of Westmorland. 



Decoys in use. Decoys not in use. 



None. I Lowther Castle. 



Lowther Castle, the residence of the Earl of Lonsdale ; 5 miles South 

 of Penrith. — In the Park at Lowther is an oval-shaped pool of about 3 

 acres, known as the " Decoy." No pipes are now discernible, nor do any 

 records exist of this Decoy, other than that it was once used for catching 

 Ducks. 



It was the most northern Decoy in our Islands, and being adjacent 

 to various rivers, and not far from the English Lakes, as well as surrounded 

 by a wild and marshy country, was doubtless much frequented by wildfowl 

 in days gone by. 



Decoys in the County op Wiltshire. 



Decoys in use. Decoys not in tise. 



H amp worth. | None. 



Hampiiiorth, near Downton, a quarter of a mile from Hampworth Lodge, 

 the residence of Mrs. G. Morrison, and 11 miles SE. of Salisbury. 



In the autumn of 1882 Mr. G. Morrison constructed a Decoy with 

 one pipe on a pool of about 4 acres, which has since been found to answer 

 well. No dog is used, and only one Decoy Duck which is changed from 

 time to time. The average annual take since its construction has been 

 about 100 fowl, the largest number taken in one season being about 150, 

 and the most ever secured at a catch 51. The owner believes that from 

 300 to 400 might be taken in the season if desired, for it is estimated that 

 there are often as many as 1,000 wildfowl on the water at one time during 

 the winter. The Decoy has, however, only been used just enough to 

 supply the house as wanted. 



The waterhens are said to be very troublesome in giving the clucks 

 warning when they get wind of the keeper who works it. It is believed 

 that the ducks visiting this Decoy come from a long distance, as they often 

 appear so tired on alighting as to disregard all allurements for several days 

 on their arrival. The Decoy was constructed by the late Mr. G. Morrison 

 after his visiting the one at North Stoneham in Hampshire. 



