POACHING IN EPPING FOREST. 123 
observed is then no easy task, although occasionally accom- 
plished with a fawn. 
In the cold and wet weather hares quit the contiguous arable 
lands and seek shelter and warmth in these extensive wood- 
lands. Gangs of men, eight or ten rough fellows together, 
may now and again be met with crossing the Forest, followed 
by a bevy of dogs ranging in breed from a terrier to a lurcher. 
These parties avoid, as far as possible, the frequented spots, 
and are cunning to a degree. Innocently enough in outward 
appearance they slouch along, hands in pockets and smoking 
their pipes, with the dogs closely to heel, until a likely place is 
reached. Then if the coast is clear the word is given and the 
ground is systematically hunted ; the terriers searching every 
bush, and the larger dogs circling round to take up the running 
when the quarry is found, or possibly to catch a hare in its 
“ form.” Long chases are not encouraged ; and it usually 
happens that the unfortunate hare, leveret, or rabbit put up is 
mercilessly “chopped” by the pack without a chance. Some- 
times a fawn meets with the same fate ; more frequently 
perhaps by this mode than by snaring. Instances of the kind 
have occurred quite recently, but the carcase in each case has 
been left behind. A well trained lurcher is of course invaluable 
to a poacher, although the mere fact of its possession brings 
the owner under suspicion, especially if he resides near the 
borders of the Forest. These dogs are a cross between grey- 
hound and sheepdog, having the speed of the one and the nose 
of the other. 
Where rabbits abound, in such places as the thick bushes 
on the eastern side of Connaught Water, snares are placed in 
the runs by men who prowl through ; sometimes singly and 
sometimes in couples, keeping a sharp look out for the keepers 
and sneaking off at the first appearance of danger. If successful 
poor bunny’s neck is hastily dislocated, and the body stowed 
away in the deep coat pockets which the fraternity adopt. 
Similar snares are set for hares where their runs can be 
traced, but not often, for, unless at once seized and killed, 
their piteous .screams alarm the neighbourhood. In un- 
frequented situations where there are rabbit burrows, a ferret 
is occasionally employed, either muzzled or with a cord 
attached, to prevent it from laying up. Purse-nets are spread 
over the surrounding holes, into which the rabbits bolt, and 
are quickly secured. 
Wild pheasants and partridges are now fairly abundant in 
and around the Forest, but are seldom shot. The carrying of 
a gun in its precincts is too perilous a proceeding for a poacher 
lightly to undertake ; besides, the reports would immediately 
put the keepers on the alert, and probably bring about the 
speedy arrest of the culprit. 
Self-hunting dogs pursue hares and rabbits, and are a great 
pest in harassing the deer. Repeatedly one of these curs may 
