Page:The Hare.djvu/99

Rh whatever the nationality of the poacher, he requires to possess a competent knowledge of the habits of his quarry, if he hopes to prosecute his misdeeds with success. The hare in particular exacts a careful study, since its habits are whimsical and vary with the locality. The hare is keenly alive to the state of the weather. For example, if the night promises to be coarse, and the wind is blowing hard, the hare does not venture out into the centre of the field as boldly as is her wont. She prefers to keep out of reach of the wind, and, therefore, browses along the edge of her favourite cover.

The necklace, or snare, which proves fatal every year to thousands of brown hares, is a very simple affair, and can be made in a very few minutes. It consists of a running noose, the end of which terminates in a round loop or eye. A piece of strong cord passes through the eye of the snare and secures it to a brick or a stout peg driven firmly into the ground. The noose is kept in its proper place by a pin, a forked piece of wood which is driven into the ground and supports the straight end of the noose. Opinions differ as to the precise height at which a snare should be suspended; but as a general rule the lower edge of the snare is set about seven inches above the ground, if it is intended for a hare in the open. If a snare is