A stout stick was thrust into the ground, and then bent over into an arch.

When the wire was thrown it instantly released the springe, which sprang up and drew it fast round the neck of the hare or rabbit, whose fore feet were lifted from the earth.

Sometimes a growing sapling was bent down for the bow if it chanced to stand conveniently near a run.

The hare no sooner put her head into the noose than she was suspended and strangled.
I tried the springe several times for rabbits, and found it answer; but the poacher cannot use it because it is so conspicuous.

The stick itself, rising above the grass, is visible at some distance, and when thrown it holds the hare or rabbit up for any one to see that passes by.
With a wire set in the present manner the captured animal lies extended, and often rolls into a furrow and is further hidden.
The springe was probably last employed by the mole-catchers.