Now, a large net stretched along railings or a hedge is rather a conspicuous object, and brings suspicion on the owner.

It is also so heavy after use that until wrung, which takes time, a strong man can barely carry it; and if a sudden alarm comes it must be abandoned.
It is pleasant to rest awhile on the parapet in the shadow of the bushes.

The low thud-thud of sculls in the rowlocks of a distant punt travels up the water.

By-and-by a hare comes along, enters on the bridge, and almost reaches the gate in the middle before he spies anything suspicious.

Such a spot, and, indeed, any gateway, used to be a favourite place to set a net, and then drive the hares towards it with a cur dog that ran silent.