With ropes fastened to twisted grass.
Thus the entire net resembled a fence, that would be invisible to the
game in the high grass, until, when driven, they should burst suddenly
upon it.
The grass was as dry as straw, and several thousand acres would be fired
up to windward, which would compel the animals to run before the flames,
until they reached the netting placed a few paces in front; where the
high grass had been purposely cleared to resist the advance of the fire.
Before each section of net, a man was concealed both within and without,
behind a screen, simply formed of the long, grass tied together at the
top.
The rule of sport decided that the proprietor of each section of netting
of twelve yards length would be entitled to all game that should be
killed within these limits; but that the owners of the manors which
formed the hunt upon that day should receive a hind leg from every
animal captured.
This was fair play; but in such hunts a breach of the peace was of
common occurrence, as a large animal might charge the net and receive a
spear from the owner of the section, after which he might break back,
and eventually be killed in the net of another hunter; which would cause
a hot dispute.
