The hounds, moreover, with their noses nipped by the cold,[3] cannot
under these conditions[4] use their sense of smell, until the sun or
the mere advance of day dissolves the scent. Then the noses of the
hounds recover, and the scent of the trail begins to exhale itself
perceptibly.[5]

[3] Reading {malkiosai}, Cobet, "N. Lect." 131. "Mnem." 3, 306;
Rutherford, "N. Phry." p. 135. = "nipped, or numb with cold." For
vulg. {malakiosai} = "whose noses are tender," see Lenz ad loc.

[4] Lit. "when the tracks are in this case."

[5] As it evaporates. Aliter, "is perceptible to smell as it is wafted
by the breeze to greet them."

Heavy dews also will obliterate scent by its depressing effect;[6] and
rains occurring after long intervals, while bringing out odours from
the earth,[7] will render the soil bad for scent until it dries again.
Southerly winds will not improve scent--being moisture-laden they
disperse it; whereas northerly winds, provided the scent has not been
previously destroyed, tend to fix and preserve it. Rains will drown
and wash it away, and so will drizzle; while the moon by her heat[8]--
especially a full moon--will dull its edge; in fact the trail is
rarest--most irregular[9]--at such times, for the hares in their joy
at the light with frolic and gambol[10] literally throw themselves
high into the air and set long intervals between one footfall and
another. Or again, the trail will become confused and misleading when
crossed by that of foxes.[11]