THE CONSTRUCTION OF A DECOY - THE HOOPS. |
| The hoops will in this case be of course smaller in every way. The larger hoops can be in three pieces, the smaller in two, and may be welded together on the ground, or else previously jointed and fitted for bolts. The last six or eight hoops to be in one length each. When setting up the hoops first fix the head hoop and the ones at the first and second bend, and connect them with a string at their summits as a guide to the height of the intervening ones. Then treat the hoop opposite the last screen and the tail end hoop in a similar way. The hoop ends will require sinking 12 in. to 18 in. in oak blocks 2 to |
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| 3ft. long by 6 in. square. On the outside curve of the pipe the centre of these supports may be 2 ft. from the water's edge, on the inside 3 to 4 ft. distant according as the hoops narrow in their span (see plan facing page 57). From opposite the last screen they can be as close to the water's edge as possible on both sides. The top of the arches should be somewhat flat, and the first hoop should lean slightly forward. The hoops are held steady by three ridge-trees of 1¾ x 1in. strips of clean sound wood, running their entire length and firmly lashed, or, what is more permanent, by means of flat iron bars rounded on the outside, 1 in. x ¾ in. and bolted to the hoops. (See cut above C, C, C.) The first hoop may require wire stays and posts to hold it securely. |