60 



THE WILD-FOWLER. 



next place, the curve assists the fowler in performing- his operations 

 without disturbing- the decoy-pond, and in such a manner that his 

 actions, and those of the deluded birds, may not be seen by others 

 remaining' on the open water. 



The width of the pipe at the mouth is immaterial — it varies ac- 

 cording to circumstances ; but, g-enerally speaking, is from twenty to 

 thirty feet, and gradually diminishing- to two feet at the upper end, 

 where it terminates with a tunnel-net, g-enerally upon dry land. 



The whole of the pipe is spanned and covered with a light netting-, 

 spread upon semi-circular bars of iron-rod, placed about three or foiu* 

 feet apart, or at such convenient distances as maybe found necessary; 

 the ends of the rods being- stuck in, or secured to, small wooden posts 

 driven into the bank on both sides of the pipe, and standing a few inches 

 above the g'round : the posts on the inner-side of the curve are close to 

 the water ; whilst those on the outer-side are about two feet from the 

 brink, in order to leave sufficient space for the dog- to perform his 

 antics. The whole are neatly arranged, and form a light and lofty 

 arch, about twelve feet above the surface of the water at the main 

 entrance ; but tapering with the gradually narrower form of the pipe 

 to the extreme tail, which is completed with a collapsible tunnel-net, 

 spread upon small hoops of iron or brass rod — the diameter of the 

 largest, or that nearest the mouth, being about two feet. This net is 

 of various lengths, from six to ten feet, according- to the sort of success 

 anticipated : it is hung upon the end of the pipe ; which, for the 

 purpose of receiving it, is fitted with hooks and clasp ; and the 

 tail end being drawn out and looped to a small stake, it forms a 

 graceful continuation and termination of the pipe. 



The whole of the iron frame-work of the pipe should be as lightly 

 constructed as possible, especially at the broadest part. The net- 

 work must be made of stout twine or small cord. The size of the 

 meshes, at the extreme entrance of the pipe, should be large enough to 

 admit the body of a wild-fowl with its wings folded ; but a few 

 yards farther up, the size of the mesh should be a little smaller : 

 beyond the screens, smaller stilL The lower part of the iron frame- 

 work, on the side next the reed screens, should be left open as far up 

 the pipe as the curve — that is to say, the net, though covering the 

 top of the arch and opposite side of the pipe, need not reach down to 

 the ground on the side where the operations are performed; but 

 should fall gradually lower as it approaches the last working screen, 

 from which, up to the trammel, it should be close and entire. Wild- 



