HISTORY OF DECOYS. | |
DECOYS IN THE COUNTY OF WESTMORLAND. | |
Decoys in use. None. | Decoys not in use. Lowther Castle. |
| Lowther Castle, the residence of the Earl of Lonsdale; 5 miles South of Penrith.-In the Park at Lowther is an oval-shaped pool of about 3 acres, known as the "Decoy." No pipes are now discernible, nor do any records exist of this Decoy, other than that it was once used for catching Ducks. It was the most northern Decoy in our Islands, and being adjacent to various rivers, and not far from the English Lakes, as well as surrounded by a wild and marshy country, was doubtless much frequented by wildfowl in days gone by. | |
 |
|
DECOYS IN THE COUNTY OF WILTSHIRE. | |
Decoys in use. Hampworth. | Decoys not in use. None. |
| Hampworth near Downton, a quarter of a mile from Hampworth Lodge, the residence of Mrs. G. Morrison, and 11 miles SE. of Salisbury. In the autumn of 1882 Mr. G. Morrison constructed a Decoy with one pipe on a pool of about 4 acres, which has since been found to answer well. No dog is used, and only one Decoy Duck which is changed from time to time. The average annual take since its construction has been about 100 fowl, the largest number taken in one season being about 150 and the most ever secured at a catch 51. The owner believes that from 300 to 400 might be taken in the season if desired, for it is estimated that there are often as many as 1,000 wildfowl on the water at one time during the winter. The Decoy has, however, only been used just enough to supply the house as wanted. The waterhens are said to be very troublesome in giving the ducks warning when they get wind of the keeper who works it. It is believed that the ducks visiting this Decoy come from a long distance, as they often appear so tired on alighting as to disregard all allurements for several days on their arrival. The Decoy was constructed by the late Mr. G. Morrison after his visiting the one at North Stoneham in Hampshire. | |
|
|