no SOLDIER AND SPORTSMAN 



such as wolves commit. Thus he has been able 

 to live the life of his ancestors for millions of 

 years. Throughout the world there are several 

 varieties, showing a difference from the British 

 fox chiefly in size and colour ; they all retain 

 the cat-like attribute of the vertical contraction 

 of the pupil of the eye when facing a strong 

 light. Hence the fox is fitted by nature for 

 night work. He is nocturnal in his habits. And 

 in observing the British species it will be seen 

 that apparently his great object in life is to see 

 without being seen. 



One thing is certain, no one who has ever 

 attempted to tame and train foxes for domestic 

 or semi-domestic use has succeeded in doing so, 

 except to such a limited extent as hardly to be 

 termed practical. This is not due to want of 

 intelligence on the part of the animal, as he is 

 extraordinarily cunning, but rather to the im- 

 possibility of overcoming instincts handed down 

 for millions of years, and to the fact that his 

 habits are nocturnal. Of all British wild animals 

 the fox is the most wily, and that makes him 

 the finest quarry, not only in England but in the 

 world. His speed, staying power and cleverness 

 in taking advantage of all conditions likely to 

 foil the scent are remarkable. All these qualities 

 increase his chance of escaping from the best 



