The first stage in making a hurdle is the splitting of the rods; and
this is an art calling for years of practice before such perfect
efficiency is attained that the worker can divide each rod exactly
down the centre with his eyes shut. The bill-hook is inserted at
the rod's smaller end, the other end is held between the knees, and
the straight, clean split is made by directing the pressure of the
bill-hook one way or the other--the edge of the hook being turned
towards that side of the rod which threatens to splinter. When the rods
are split, the "salins"--the upright stakes which form the framework of
the hurdle--are fixed into the "mole"--a solid piece of wood, slightly
curved, and drilled with holes. "Spurs" are the small, round, unsplit
rods woven over the top and bottom to prevent slipping. The weather has
much to do with the ease and speed of the work. Cold, sunless days with
east winds tend to make the rods brittle, and then when a binding spur
is being wound into place it will break, and part of the hurdle must be
remade. Drought hardens the wood, and the rods lose elasticity. A hard
frost may freeze the wood's moisture, and the rods may then snap. The
most favourable weather is sunny, but not scorching, with occasional
light showers. In wet weather the strongest worker is terribly
handicapped, and rheumatism, sooner or later, is almost certain to take
hold of him.
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[Illustration: HAMPSHIRE HURDLES