152 THOUGHTS UPON HUNTING^ 



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. Vv'ith good eyes and nice observation, they are 

 enabled to find them in any weather. You may makd- 

 forms, and hares will sit in them. I have heard that it is a 

 comm.on pradice with shepherds on the Wiltshire downs 5 

 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 

 v,'ith his friends, v/as shewn a hare that was found sitting. 

 *' Is that a hare?'' he cried — " Then, by Jove, I found two 

 " this jnorning as we rode along /" ■ 



Though the talent of hare-fiinding is certainly of use, 

 and the money colledled 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 frequently get more than a 



