On Hunting

But when neither of these hindrances prevents, have the hounds out every other day. Do not let them take to pursuing foxes; for it is utter ruin, and they are never at hand when wanted.

Vary the hunting-ground frequently, so that the hounds may be familiar with the hunting-grounds and the master with the country. Start early, and so give the hounds a fair chance of following the scent. A late start robs the hounds of the find and the hunters of the prize; for the scent is by its nature too thin to last all day.

Let the net-keeper wear light clothing when he goes hunting. Let him set up the purse-nets in winding, rough, steep, narrow, shady paths, brooks, ravines, running watercourses (these are the places in which the hare is most apt to take refuge: a list of all the others would be endless), leaving

unobstructed and narrow passages to and through these places, just about daybreak, and not too early, so that in case the line of nets be near the growth to be searched, the hare may not be frightened by hearing the noise close by (if the distance is considerable, it matters less if the work is done early), seeing that the nets stand clear so that nothing may cling to them.[*](This portentous sentence is a literal presentation of the Greek text, which, however, is rather uncertain. If the nets are fixed near the covert before daybreak, the hare is likely to stir at the noise. After daybreak she will not stir.)

He must fix the stakes asland,[*](i.e., sloping towards the side from which the hare will come. The nets, of course, hang on the other side of the stakes.) so that when pulled they may stand the strain. On the tops of them let him put an equal number of meshes,[*](If ἴσους means equal in number, more than one mesh is to be put in the groove of each stake, so that the top of the row of nets will be puckered. Perhaps, however, level in height is the sense.) and set the props[*](Small sticks were used for propping up the purse on the inside, and the purse was propped higher towards the middle; it ended in a point, so that it resembled the net on a woman’s head.) uniformly, raising the purse towards the centre.

To the cord[*](See 2.4. The stone serves as an anchor when the net falls off the stakes.) let him attach a long, big stone, so that the net may not pull away when the hare is inside. Let him make his line long and high,[*](The stakes must not be too deep in the ground, or the nets will not be high enough.) so that the hare may not jump over.

When it comes to tracking the hare, he must not be too zealous. To do everything possible to effect a quick capture shows perseverance, but is not hunting.[*](These remarks read like an afterthought.)