BRITISH BIRDS. 
331 
by a continued arch of netting, fupported by hoops, 
to the defired diftance ; and all along both fides, 
Ikreens formed of reeds are fet up fo as to pre- 
vent the polTibility of the birds feeing the decoy- 
man; and as thefe birds feed during the night, 
all is ready prepared for this fport in the even- 
ing. The fowler, then, placed on the leeward 
fide, fometimes with the help of his well-trained 
dog, but always by that of his better trained tame 
Decoy-Ducks, begins the bufinefs of deftrudion. 
The latter, directed by his well-known whiftle, or 
excited forward by the floating hempfeed, which 
he llrews occafionally upon the water, entice all the 
Wild Ducks after them under the netting ; and 
as foon as this is obferved, the man or his dog, as 
the fitnefs of opportunity may direct, is from the 
rear expofed to the view of the birds, by which they 
are fo alarmed that they dare not offer to return, 
and are prevented by the nets from efcaping up- 
wards ; they therefore prefs forward in the utmofl 
confufion to the end of the pipe, into the purfe nets 
there prepared to receive them, while their treache- 
rous guides remain behind in confeious fecurity. 
The feafon allowed by ad of parliament for catch- 
ing thefe birds in this way, continues only from the 
latter end of Odober till February. 
Particular fpots or decoys, in the fen countries, 
are let to the fowlers at a rent of from five to 
thirty pounds per annum; and Pennant inftances 
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