ts be
in the neighbourhood of covert to be searched for game, (10) the
animal may not be scared at hearing the thud close by. (11) If, on the
contrary, there should be a wide gap between the two points, there is
less to hinder making the net lines clear and clean quite early, so
that nothing may cling to them. The keeper must fix the forked props
slantwise, so as to stand the strain when subjected to tension. He must
attach the nooses equally on the points; and see that the props are
regularly fixed, raising the pouch towards the middle; (12) and into the
slip-rope he must insert a large, long stone, to prevent the net from
stretching in the opposite direction, when it has got the hare inside.
He will fix the rows of poles with stretches of net sufficiently high to
prevent the creature leaping over. (13) In hunting, "no procrastination"
should be the motto, since it is sportsmanlike at once and a proof of
energy by all means to effect a capture quickly. He will stretch the
larger (haye) nets upon level spaces; and proceed to plant the road nets
upon roads and at converging points of tracks and footpaths; (14) he
must attach the border-ropes to the ground, draw together the elbows or
side ends of the nets, fix the forked props between the upper meshes,
(15) adjust the skirting ropes upon the tops, and close up gaps.

(9) See Pollux, v. 35.

(10) Al. "of the game to be hunted up."

(11) {omou}, "e propinquo." Schn. cf. "Cyrop." III. i. 2; VI. iii. 7.

(12) Or, "giving the funnel or belly a lift in the middle."
{kekruphalon}, Pollux, v. 31.

(13) This sentence according to Lenz is out of its place, referring
solely to the haye nets; the order of the words should be {ta de
diktua teineto en apedois stoikhizeto de, k.t.l.} If so, transl.
"He should stretch the hayes on level ground and fix, etc.; The
road nets should be planted... etc."

(14) Al. "at convenient points or where paths converge." See Schneid.
s.v. {sumpheronta}.

(15) {sardonion}, Pollux, v. 31. Al. "fixing the stakes between the
edges."

Then he will play sentinel and go his rounds; if a prop or funnel wants
supporting, he will set it up; and when the hare comes with the hounds
behind her he will urge her forwards to the toils, with shout and halloa
thundering at her heels. When she is fairly entangled, he is to calm
the fury of the hounds, without touching them, by soothing, encouraging
tones. He is also to signal