ISJ 



THE BOOK OF DUCK DECOYS. 



its pipes is still plainly to be discerned, and it could even, if desired, be 

 again put in order for use. 



It is evident the Meaux Decoy was not in existence in the days of 

 the monks of Meaux Abbey, or it would assuredly have been alluded to 

 in the writings of the time, which were both accurate and not few in 

 number in regard to the district. 



Meaux Abbey was founded in 1 150, and its noble foundations broken 

 up on December 11, 1539, on the dissolution of the monasteries by Henry 

 VIII. In the History of Meaux Abbey, no mention is made of a Decoy 



-^asf^^j^^M EAUX DECOY,-- 





in connection v/ith it, nor does such occur in the Historyof Watton Abbey, 

 where a Decoy also existed. 



In the Histories of our Abbeys, the Deer, the Fish, and the Game are 

 all treated of, and the numerous artifices of the chase, but the subject of 

 Decoys is not entertained. In the Northumberland Household Book, 

 written at Leckonfield, within 3 miles of Beverley, and adjacent to 

 Meaux, no entry or mention is made of the Decoys, which most certainly 

 would have been the case had they then been in existence. The Book com- 

 mences from 15 1 2, and the Castle was pulled down in 1650. It gives 

 minute particulars of the purchase of " wildfowl " for my lord's own mess. 

 They were to be bought first-hand. Particulars and directions are also 



