THE HARE AND HER TROD 65 



many members of the fraternity secure occasional 

 rabbits by this method. Fifty years ago the use of the 

 throw-stick was often practised by Scottish poachers, 

 and probably by Englishmen as well. Old Perth 

 residents may perhaps recall a native of their city, who 

 was nicknamed ' Toodle Doodle ' by his boon com- 

 panions. Toodle Doodle has long since gone the way 

 of all flesh. While he lived his fame was great on the 

 countryside. He was a httle deformed man, who 

 used to wander about the district in search of hares ; 

 as a matter of fact, he depended upon killing these 

 poor animals for his entire livelihood. Of course he 

 carried snares, and understood right well how to 

 manipulate them to the best advantage, no man more 

 so ; but his favourite weapon was a short throw-stick. 

 He was always accompanied by a small black terrier, 

 which was accredited with knowing as much about 

 hares as his owner. The dog was trained to drive the 

 hare, when found, to his master, who generally waited 

 for the ' drive ' on the edge of a brae. When he judged 

 that the animal had arrived within range, the poacher 

 hurled his throw-stick, aiming it in such a manner that 

 it revolved in the air, and hit the poor hare upon the 

 lower part of the body, generally upon the forelegs. 

 The crippled animal was soon pinned by the terrier, 



F 



