THE FELL FOX 31 



on the window-ledge of a cottage, in a coal-house, 

 and one desperately hunted fox sprang into a 

 stream in roaring flood, to be carried under a bridge. 

 Dry drains are often used as lying-up places, and 

 they also afford refuge for hunted foxes, as do 

 rabbit holes. 



Reynard has no hesitation in taking to the 

 water when need be, and I once saw a fox twice 

 swim across the high end of a small lake, when it 

 might just as easily have skirted the water, though 

 doubtless the close proximity of hounds had some- 

 thing to do with the animal's decision. A fox can 

 climb hke a cat, and when jumping an obstruction 

 he hardly ever does so straight. A tame fox, kept 

 in a roomy stable, invariably sprang up the side 

 of the wall and threw himself into the manger, 

 rather than jump straight into the latter, which he 

 could easily do. A fox is also hke a cat in the 

 matter of the proverbial " nine hves." I have 

 often seen one after a terrific underground battle 

 with the terriers, finally drawn out to all appear- 

 ances dead, or practically so. Thrown on the 

 ground the carcass has suddenly come to life, and 

 made a bold bid for hberty. 



If forced to go to ground in a spot not of his 

 own choosing, a hill fox will sometimes squeeze 

 himself tight into a narrow crevice of the rock 

 where he is unable to distribute punishment to the 

 terriers, but is forced to take and endure it from 



