1C4 THE LIFE OF THE FIELDS. 



did not realize that it was a man — and a possible 

 enemy — he would not trouble. The object con- 

 sequently of the tricks of the poacher is to obliterate 

 himself. If you can contrive to so move, and to so 

 conduct yourself that the fish shall not recognize you 

 as his enemy, you can do much as you please with 

 him, and in varying degrees it is the same with 

 animals. Think a moment by what tokens a fish 

 recognizes a man. First, his light, and, compared 

 with other animals, brisk step — a two-step instead 

 of a four-step, remember; two feet, not four hoofs. 

 There is a difference at once in the rhythm of the 

 noise. Four hoofs can by no possibility produce the 

 same sound, or succession of sounds, as is made even 

 by four feet — that is, by two men. The beats are 

 not the same. Secondly, by his motions, and especially 

 the brisk motions of the arms. Thirdly, by this 

 briskness itself; for most animals, except man, move 

 with a slow motion — paradox as it may seem — even 

 when they are going along fast. With them it is 

 usually repose in action. Fourthly — and this is 

 rather curious — experience seems to show that fish, 

 and animals and birds certainly, recognize man by his 

 hat or cap, to which they have a species of super- 

 stitious dislike. g| 



Hats are generally of a different hue to the rest of 

 the suit, for one thing ; and it was noted, a century 

 ago, that wild creatures have a particular objection to 

 a black hat. A covering to the head at all is so 

 opposite to their own ideas that it arouses suspicion, 

 for we must remember that animals look on our 

 clothes as our skin. To have a black skin over the 



