HISTORY OF DECOYS. | |
| "They say that this Decoy is the best in the kingdom . . . . . The pipes are lower in the arch than those at Somerton in Norfolk. The sides of the pool are enclosed by reeded walls, rising about 3 ft. from the edge of the pool. . . . . The insides of the reeded walls are all covered by ivy, so that, when on the Decoy pool, nothing but ivy is seen. "The birds leave the pool regularly at dusk, scattering themselves over the country in every direction, and return in the morning before break of day. The largest number of birds ever taken in one day was 60" Tortington Decoy, 5½ miles SW. of Arundel. There are the traces of another Decoy here, also on the property of the Duke of Norfolk, and which estate was purchased by his Grace from Mr. Montefiore. It is close to the railway station of Ford. It is now a dry willow bed, and the outline of the pool, said to be very ancient, can scarce be distinguished. Glynde, close to Firle, and 3 miles ESE. of Lewes.-There was formerly a Decoy here, on the estate of Viscount Hampden, but it has not been in use for a century, and only the wood in which it was placed remains to mark the spot. Ratton Decoy.-At Willingdon, 3 miles NW. of Eastbourne, on the property of Mr. F. Thomas, there was formerly a Decoy. In consequence of the drainage of the neighbouring levels and the great falling off in the number of wildfowl captured, it was given up about forty years ago. The pool was from 2 to 3 acres in extent and had three pipes. It is now a reed bed, almost dry, and holding foxes. Mr. W. Brodrick Thomas, the uncle of the present owner of Ratton, informs me that he recollects this Decoy in working order, and that his father kept a most accurate Decoy-book, which cannot unfortunately now be found. He also states that his father inadvertently built some cottages for his labourers close to the Decoy, which disturbed it considerably, as, when the occupants cooked anything "savoury," every bird left the pool at once. Peasmarsh 5 miles NW. of Rye, 1 mile N. of Peasmarsh village, and 1¼ E. of Beckley.-This Decoy consisted of two large pools separated by a high bank, one for Duck and another for Teal. | |
Index List of Illustrations