68 SQUIRRELS AND OTHER FUR-BEARERS 



may observe, is but a little moist, and, as you 

 know, her sense of smell is far inferior to that 

 of the dog. Moisten your own nostrils and lips, 

 and this sense is plainly sharpened. The sweat. 

 of a dog's nose, therefore, is no doubt a vital 

 element in its power, and, without taking a very 

 long logical stride, we may infer how a damp, 

 rough surface aids him in tracking game. 



A still hunt rarely brings you in sight of a 

 fox, as his ears are much sharper than yours, 

 and his tread much lighter. But if the fox is 

 mousing in the fields, and you discover him be- 

 fore he does you, you may, the wind favoring, 

 call him within a few paces of you. Secrete 

 yourself behind the fence, or some other object, 

 and squeak as nearly like a mouse as possible. 

 Reynard will hear the sound at an incredible 

 distance. Pricking up his ears, he gets the 

 direction, and comes trotting along as unsuspi- 

 ciously as can be. I have never had an op- 

 portunity to try the experiment, but I know per- 

 fectly reliable persons who have. One man, in the 

 pasture getting his cows, called a fox which was 

 too busy mousing to get the first sight, till it 

 jumped upon the wall just over where he sat 

 secreted. He then sprang up, giving a loud 

 whoop at the same time, and the fox, I suspect, 

 came as near being frightened out of his skin as 

 a fox ever was. 



