THE DECOY-POND. 47 



understands his business, and his dog and decoy-ducks are well 

 trained; the coniined extent of the space of water materially assisting 

 his operations ; and if there be several working'-pipes placed at 

 different parts of the pond, so as to suit the chances of the wind, 

 success will be more frequent. Whereas, on a vast extent of 

 water, there may be swarms of wild-fowl, but none within hail of 

 the pipes, or near enoug-h to regard the enticements of the decoy- 

 ducks or the singular befoolings of the dog. 



In a perfect decoy there are generally several pipes, so as to suit 

 at least every cardinal point ; and the best and principal pipes tail- 

 off in an east, north-east, or south-east direction, those being the 

 quarters from which most sport may be expected, and are also 

 the winds which bring most wild-fowl to our shores. It must 

 depend on the wind, as to which pipe the birds will take ; bearing in 

 mind that they must always be decoyed towards the wind, it being 

 invariably foimd a useless task to attempt enticing them to lee- 

 ward. 



In addition to the space actually covered with water, there shoidd 

 generally be enclosed an average extent of ground, of from fifty to a 

 hundred yards, all around the pond ; which ought to be planted with 

 much discretion, so as to give a quiet aspect to the whole, but leaving 

 a careless-looking opening in the plantation at the course of every 

 pipe, so as to admit a current of air from whichever quarter the 

 wind blows. No very large trees, as oaks and elms, should be 

 planted about the decoy, but those of inferior growth, as the birch, 

 the willow, alder, and others; beside which, a thick underwood 

 should cover every vacant space ; and nearer the banks of the pool 

 should be borders of reeds and rushes. 



In some decoys, the whole pond is enclosed by a reed fence about 

 four feet in height; the object of which is, to prevent the decoy-ducks 

 leaving the place. It is best, however, to dispense with so much 

 fencing; because wild-fowl are shy of entering a space too much 

 enclosed by artificial means. Besides, the fencing prevents their 

 becoming familiarized with the growing cover, sedges, and rushes, 

 in which many of the birds visiting the decoy late in the season 

 would probably stay and breed. 



The banks of the decoy, near the entrances to the pipes, are to be 

 kept smooth and clean, as basking-places for the fowl ; gradually 

 sloping to the water's edge, that they may readily step upon 

 them, and rest there. When so at rest, they are said to be " banked." 



