DECOYS AND HOW TO USE THEM 55 



with ease allowance being made for the swelling of the 

 wood when sodden with water. Two rings are placed 

 on the hoop, and a wire stretched from one to the other; 

 from each of them is a line to the anchor weight, and 

 connected to each ring is a dummy bird. Thus it will be 

 seen that these two birds can chase each 

 other round and round the hoop, but never 

 overtake or come any nearer than they are 

 originally set. It can be tried with four, 

 but they look unnatural, and two will be 

 found to answer best; yet, at the same 

 time, four rings can be used to advantage 

 without the addition of more birds. See / 



Fig. VI. Perchance some may say, "this % 

 is practising against the preaching, for one 

 of them must be tail to wind," but exceptio probat regulam, 

 and it does not matter so much here, as these birds are 

 constantly on the move. In the drawing will be noticed 

 a four-ringed hoop by dotted lines, and also an additional 

 anchor, which can be used if so desired ; but it is not a 

 necessity, although it may be preferred by a few people. 

 To the length of the lines from the rings to the anchor 

 there is no defined limit, and they can be regulated according 

 to depth. 



Another addendum to the already long list of artificial 

 decoy ducks has been patented by Mr William H. Jencks, 

 Clinton, Iowa, and was filed February 5, 

 1889, serial No. 298,723. 



From the appended sketch (Fig. VII.) 

 the reader will gather a good idea of the 

 invention. 



The following claims cast sufficient light to give a fair 

 idea of any advantages or general utility which it may 

 possess : 



" 1. A decoy-duck provided with an internal anchor cord- 

 winding reel, in combination with a set-screw, adapted to bear 

 upon the reel and lock the same in position. 



