whirl and drift the snow about and obliterate the tracks. It will not
do to take the hounds into the field in that case;[1] since owing to
excessive frost the snow will blister[2] the feet and noses of the
dogs and destroy the hare's scent. Then is the time for the sportsman
to take the haye nets and set off with a comrade up to the hills, and
leave the cultivated lands behind; and when he has got upon the tracks
to follow up the clue. If the tracks are much involved, and he follows
them only to find himself back again ere along at the same place,[3]
he must make a series of circuits and sweep round the medley of
tracks, till he finds out where they really lead.[4]

[1] Lit. "I say it is no use setting out with dogs to this chase."

[2] {kaei}. Cf. Arrian, xiv. 5.

[3] Reading {ekonta} sc. {ton kunegeten . . .} or if {ekonta, kuklous}
[sc. {ta ikhne}], transl. "if the tracks are involved, doubling on
themselves and coming back eventually to the same place."

[4] Or, "where the end of the string is."

The hare makes many windings, being at a loss to find a resting-place,
and at the same time she is accustomed to deal subtly[5] in her method
of progression, because her footsteps lead perpetually to her pursuit.

[5] {tekhnazein}. Cf. Ael. "N. A." vi. 47, ap. Schneid. A fact for
Uncle Remus.

As soon as the track is clear,[6] the huntsman will push on a little
farther; and it will bring him either to some embowered spot[7] or