OF HAKE-FINDERS 121 



seldom found in places much exposed to the wind. In 

 inclosures, they more frequently are found near to a 

 hedge than in the middle of a field. They who make 

 a profession of hare-finding (and a very advantageous 

 one it is in some countries) are directed by the wind 

 where to look for their game. With good eyes and 

 nice observation, they are enabled to find them in any 

 weather. You may make forms, and hares will sit in 

 them. I have heard that it is a common practice with 

 shepherds on the Wiltshire downs ; and, by making 

 them on the side of hills, they can tell at a distance off, 

 whether there are hares in them or not. Without 

 doubt, people frequently do not find hares from not 

 knowing- them in their forms. A gentleman coursing - 

 with his friends, was shown a hare that was found 

 sitting. " Is that a hare?" he cried. " Then, by Jove, 

 I found two this morning as we rode along ! " 



Though the talent of hare-finding is certainly of 

 use, and the money collected for it, when given to 

 shepherds, is money well bestowed by a sportsman, as 

 it tends to the preservation of his game — yet I think, 

 that when it is indiscriminately given, hare-finders 

 often are too well paid. I have known them fre- 

 quently get more than a guinea for a single hare. I 

 myself have paid five shillings in a morning, for hares 

 found sitting. To make our companions pay dearly 

 for their diversion, and oftentimes so much more than 

 it is worth ; to take from the pockets of men, who 

 oftentimes can ill afford it, as much as would pay for a 

 good dinner afterwards, is, in my opinion, an un- 

 generous custom ; and this consideration induced me 



