TRAINING DECOY PONDS. 109 



approaching' it, even probably as soon as able to leave the bitch, and as naturally 

 plunging into that element, as a hatch of young- ducks. Others Avill just step in 

 up to their bellies, and after looking' about them awhile, retire to land. But these 

 will soon be taught to take water, and the more easily, if they already fetch and 

 carry. This last manoeuvre, every one almost who possesses a dog-, is in the habit 

 of teaching- him, and an old glove is one of the most proper implements. The 

 next is to couch and lie close upon the ground, without stirring or making the 

 least noise, until permission to rise be given. To back, or retire behind the Gunner, 

 for the teacher should have his gun with him, is easily taught, walking up and 

 down by the water side. The dog will thus also be accustomed to the Gun and its 

 use. The hie on may also be taught in the same place, and the dog's attention 

 directed to search. The hie lost must obviously be postponed until actual 

 service. 



These instructions should be given whilst the dog is empty, and he should, on 

 his return home, be immediately fed and caressed according to his desert and 

 progress. In the few dogs of this extremely docile and friendly race, which we 

 have taken the trouble to instruct, we relinquished the system of correction by 

 blows altogether, as not only unpleasing, but really less efficacious than the 

 milder method. The great object is to render the following you, and taking 

 lessons, an affair of diversion and pastime to the young dog ; that point gained, 

 the next is the hinge of reward and punishment ; which last should consist 

 merely in angry and threatening tones, sometimes shewing the whip, and occasional 

 confinement. 



In the Decoy Ponds, it is well known that decoy, or trained Ducks which answer 

 to the whistle, are employed to entice the wild ones into the purse nets ; the 

 former diving at the sound of the whistle, on approach to the nets, and retreating, 

 whilst the wild ones proceed and are caught. But it often happens that, the wild 

 fowl from weariness and dozing, will not follow the decoy ducks, when the only 

 substitute is the dog, Avhich by virtue of his training-, knowingly passes backwards 

 and forwards, between the reed skreens, which have small holes, both for the Decoy 

 man to see, and sufficiently large at bottom, for the dog- to pass through. Should 

 the fowl be so torpid as not to notice the dog, a red handkerchief, or something of 

 striking appearance, is put upon him. This having attracted the attention of the 

 fowl, they will sometimes advance upon him in the whole flock, as if with the in- 

 tention of driving him away. The dog, in the interim, as directed by the Decoys- 

 man, playing in the reed skreens, the fowl dare not pass him, in order to escape, 

 and being unable to ascend on the wing, on account of the netting* above, rush for- 

 ward into the purse-net and are secured. Towards the Autumn, when the wild 

 fowl having moulted their wing feathers, are unable to fly any great length, and 

 rise with difficulty, they are hunted with Water Spaniels, and considerable 

 numbers taken. 



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