HOW HE CATCHES SEA-FOWL. 47 



whole number, till the foremost has reached their prey. 

 A signal is then given, on which the uppermost fox pulls 

 with all his might, and the rest assist him as well as they 

 can with their feet against the rocks. In this manner they 

 proceed from rock to rock, until they have provided them- 

 selves with a sufficient supply." 



Foxes, especially those near to the coast, prey, as is known, 

 much on water-fowl, in approaching which their movements 

 are stealthy and cunning in the extreme. It is asserted, 

 for instance, by fishermen and others, who have ample 

 opportunities of watching their manoeuvres, that whilst 

 wading in shallows towards the fowl, Michel is careful when 

 lifting his paws above the surface, to lick them dry before 

 re-immersion, in order that the quarry may not be disturbed 

 by the noise of the water dripping from them. 



In England we occasionally hear of Reynard, when hard 

 pressed, taking shelter in ivy-covered walls, or it may be in 

 pollard-oaks. But in Sweden there are instances on record, 

 as mentioned in " Northern Sports," of his fleeing for safety 

 to the upper branches of lofty trees. To some this may 

 seem fabulous, but the fact is perfectly well attested. 



" When the weather is severe," Olaus Magnus tells 

 us, " and that the fox, famishing of hunger, comes near 

 to dwelling-houses, he imitates the bark of the dog, that 

 domestic animals may be induced to approach him with the 

 more confidence." This story, incredible as it may appear, 

 would almost seem to have some foundation. 



" During the past autumn," says M. Ekstrom, " a son of 

 mine proceeded one evening at sunset to shoot ducks in a 

 small lake nearly overgrown with rushes. But he had not yet 

 reached the water, when he heard the fowl quacking and 



