Page:The Hare.djvu/98

76 to procure the requisite material. After finishing a day's honest toil, the 'Whale' casually strolled home by way of a likely spot for his pastime. He proceeded to set his snares and left for his cottage. Unluckily, his calculations were upset by a smart keeper, who happened to be abroad early next day and saw the snares. He did not remove them, but hid up in the corn for the arrival of the marauder. When the 'Whale' lifted his snares, the keeper jumped up and wished him a fine morning. As soon as the matter was reported to the tenant farmer, he dispensed with the services of the 'Whale.' Had the farmer, however, been previously interested in the preservation of hares, I doubt whether the labourer would have cared to risk his situation by the misconduct described.

Unless farmers happen to be sportsmen, they generally adopt a laissez-faire position on the subject of the game laws, and readily overlook the moral obliquity of a useful hand whose unfortunate penchant for fur is perhaps his only weakness. What I have said, of course, applies more particularly to England and the lowland portions of Scotland. I do not think that Highlanders lend themselves very kindly to the tricks of the Saxon poacher, though I am bound to admit that here and there some dishonest shepherds and crofters levy toll upon the game in their district. But