Livre de la chasse
Bequest of Clara S. Peck, 1983
Hunting and Slaying the Hare
There was no particular season for hunting hares; there were various peak times throughout the year. In the summer, early morning until the hour of Prime (6:00) was favorable, for the midday heat would dissipate the animal's scent. Later in the day, however, the hare could be found in shady places. Here two greyhounds are pursuing a hare by sight, which Phoebus warned might result in failure, as they might be so far ahead of the running hounds, which track by scent, that the latter might lose it. The horsemen carry sticks, which were used to discipline the horses, pages, and hounds and to protect their faces from branches or twigs. They could also be struck against their leather boots to incite the dogs and horses. A dead hare is slung over the stick carried by the groom in the background.
Image courtesy of Faksimile Verlag Luzern