Page 28 THE BOOK OF DUCK DECOYS.

THE BOOK OF DUCK DECOYS.

    But should there be none about, they soon catch sight of the falling grain, or see a wild duck feeding on it, else hear the Decoyman's low whistle, and so draw up from all directions.
    The wild birds, after due caution and a little consultation, begin feeding too, though at first very reservedly.
    But they see the Decoy ducks regaling on good store, and in fact getting more than their share-why should they not join the feast?
    So they do, timidly at first, it is true; then they wax bolder, for the food is unusual and good, and they are hungry.
    Somehow or other the Decoy ducks and the grain are always just a little in front of them; they find they invariably have to paddle a few feet now and then to get their share, or else they are left out in the cold.
    They do not feed very comfortably though, for the further they swim up the curious-looking cage, which is apparently open at both ends, the more they hesitate and drop backwards when the grain is eaten, and till it next appears.
    However 'tis but a few yards behind them to open sky and water and assured safety. But their suspicions being ever latent, and now slightly aroused, they had better, they decide, retire, and let those foolish ducks (the tame ones), suffer any consequences that may ensue from so boldly exploring a place that does not at its best seem one a cautious duck should venture in so far.
    Alas, it is too late! Retreat there is none. Forward! forward! anyhow and anywhere, rather than back to the pond and past the Decoyman, who has now suddenly appeared in their rear at the entrance to the pipe.     So on they drive into the fatal tunnel net, wherein they are taken just as before told, when a dog was lately used to the destruction of some of their relatives in another pipe hard by.

On the coast many more fowl are taken by feeding than by dogging. This is especially the case in regard to Wigeon. Wigeon visit the tidal banks nightly, that is if the Decoy they frequent by day is within a few miles of the sea or its estuaries.
If the tides cover the ooze banks longer than usual owing to an on-shore wind, or they are much disturbed by the gunners through the night, they are unusually hungry the next day.