[ 10]
These
Nets are proper either for
Hares or
[ 20]
Rabets, but they must be placed as hereafter fol∣loweth.
Observe the
Path or
Tract in any
Copice
or
Furrow by which any
Hare useth to pass, like∣wise
how the Wind is, that you may so set the
Net that the
Hare and
Wind may come toge∣ther.
If the
Wind be side-ways it may do well
enough▪ but never if the
Wind blow over the
[ 30]
Net into the
Hares face, for he will scent both it
and you at a great distance. The two pointed
Lines A. B. C. D denote the Foot-path by which
the
Game useth to pass; then prepare three or
more
Stakes, according to the length of your
Net; the
Stakes should be about the bigness of
ones
Thumb, and about four foot long, sharpned
at the greater end, and a little crooked at the
smaller
R. S. T. Stick them in the ground some∣what
slooping, as if so forced by the Wind; two
[ 40]
of them must be set at the two sides of the way
and the rest in the midst as you see occasion.
They must only hold up the
Net from falling, but
in a very slight manner, that if the
Game run a∣gainst
it, it may fall down, and so entangle him.
Be sure to hide your self in some
Ditch or
Bush,
behind some
Tree, or in such like place behind
the
Net, for if you should be perceived your
expectation would be frustrated; nor indeed should
you walk in the
Path-way by which you expect
[ 50]
the
Game to come, for they will have some imper∣fect
scent of you. When you perceive the
Game to be past you, give a Shout, flinging your
Hat at them, which will put them into such a
surprize, that they will spring on, and run just
into the
Net, so that you must be nimble to take
them, lest they break out and make their escape.
This
Net is not so good in windy Weather as in
Calm.
The middlemost of the three Figuers I shall [ 60]
next explain. It must beset much after the same
manner as the former, as to the Way and Wind.
You see how the two Cords at each end of the
Net ought to be disposed; next you must have
two Sticks K, L, M, N, each four foot long, and
thrice as big as ones Thumb, they must be cut
exactly smooth at each end, and placed in this
manner; Take the Stick K, L, and put it on the
edge of the Way upon the Cord L, which is at
the bottom of the Net; The other Cord must be
placed on the top of the Stick; then go along
behind the Net, supporting it with your hand,
and place your second Stick just as you did the
first; you should endeavour to let your Net lean
a little towards the way by which you expect
your Game will come, for the Game running fierce∣ly
against the Net, will force the Sticks to give way,
and so the Net falls on him.
There is another Net represented by the last
Figure, which is less troublesom than either of
the former, only it may be further discerned;
however it is excellent for Rabets in such Foot∣paths,
where sometimes you have three or four
Couple runing after one another, all which may
be taken at once, for it doth not fall as the two
former.
The two former are useful for taking Wolves,
Foxes, Badgers, and Polecats, as well as Hares
and Coneys; but the latter only for Hares and
Coneys. The true time to set these Nets is at
Day-break, until half an hour before Sun-rise;
and from about half an hour before Sun-set, un∣til
Dark-night.
I shall forbear to instruct you further in the
setting this last Net, the representing it, together
with the preceding Rules being sufficient, only
this is of another make, and indeed a Net inclosed
within two others.
There are three or four other ways to take both
Hares and Coneys with Nets at any time of the
day, especially if you know any Furz-Bushes or
strong Thickets, where they use to resort. I shall
not need to trouble you with the Forms of the
Nets, only the Names shall suffice. You must
observe which way in probability the Hare will
take, and at twelve or fourteen Paces distance,
pitch your Net in a Semicircle; then fetch a
compass about and beat the Bush, and you can't
well miss; for Rabets will make to their Burrows,
and Hares to the Coverts.
The Nets that are of use for this purpose are
called Hays, and are common to be bought at
any Shop that sells Nets; you may have them
longer or shorter as you think fit, about fifteen
or twenty Fathom is a good length, and for
depth a Fathom.
Rabets do often straggle abroad about Mid∣day
for fresh Grass; when you perceive any store
to be gone forth to some remote Brakes or Thick∣ets,
get one with you, and pitch two or three of
these Hays about their Burrows, and lie close
there. In case you have not Nets enough to en∣close
all their Burrows, you may stop some with
Stones, Bushes, or the like; then go with your
Coney-Dog to hunt up and down at a good di∣stance,
beating the Bushes, and drawing on by
degrees, and the Man that is with you, which
lieth close by the Hay, may take them as they
bolt into the Hay.
Your Purse-Nets are very useful to take both
Hares and Rabets at certain times, but you
must watch them, else they will soon bite through
and escape; they are to be placed in their Meshes
through Hedges, and in their Burrows or Holes.