THE FOX 



129 



most cases is had to expedients, such as strings of twine affixed to 

 stakes at a height of from 9 to 18 in. from the ground, and 

 these lines dressed at intervals of a few days with gas tar, 

 " verminite " (supplied by Messrs. Wm. Burgess & Co., Malvern 

 Wells), or" reynardine," the three lines being about a yard apart, 

 the outer one 9 in. high, middle i ft., and inner 18 in., and 

 this a yard from the usual wire-netting, along the top of which is 

 run a line smeared with the offensive substance. In addition to this 

 protection to the rearing ground, a hurricane lamp at the corners 

 of the ground, and each fifty yards distance along the sides and 

 ends, lighted at dusk and kept alight until dawn, is found effective 

 in keeping foxes at bay. To prevent foxes disturbing sitting birds 

 a little of an offensive substance, such as " verminite," scattered 

 on the twigs and round the nest has been found effective, not only 

 against foxes, but also poaching cats and straying dogs. 



FIG. 81. Fox TRAPS, AMERICAN PATTERNS. 

 (Supplied by Mr. H. LANE, Eagle Works, Wednesfield, Staffordshire.) 



In places where no hound or horseman ever comes and there 

 is no need for the fox, shooting or trapping is had recourse to. The 

 trap employed is usually a double spring, either with plain jaws 

 (Fig. 81), or with teeth, and with spikes, and with' either round 



B.N. K 



