22 



sometimes occurred, that they were eminently useful aids; 

 serving as guides through the intricate labyrinths of the 

 woods aud swamps, to ferret out Reynard's usual haunts 

 and retreats, and when earthed, to procure of some obli- 

 ging neighbour the necessary implements, of an axe, 

 pick, and spade, accustomed to the use of which, they 

 actively and efficiently assisted, to dig for and capture 

 the enemy in his den, generally excavated on the declivi- 

 ty of a hill with a southern exposure, for secure and 

 comfortable winter quarters. 



Sometimes this intense fatigue duty, continued by 

 spells for hours, and labour occasionally found ample 

 reward; not in the game she captured, but in peals of 

 loud laughter and mirth, especially at the last industrious 

 diggers, on the taking of a Skunk, or a ground hog; when 

 this happened, there was no generous contention or rival- 

 ship for the brush: the first named personage, we are 

 told on a memorable occasion in 1805, freely oft'ered the 

 compliment of his tail to all within shooting range, hunt- 

 ers and dogs, until he liberally and fairly exhausted the 

 contents of his odiferous sack or magazine. Here was 

 more kindness, with all the acuteness of the Fox. He 

 perished afterwards, by Jonas's unerring staff, in conse- 

 quence of his temerity, and served him as an exquisite 

 meal the following day; the liver he dispatched whilst 

 warm, entertaining a high opinion of its efficacy in assist- 

 ing his wind in the chase, during which he would frequent- 

 ly knock over a rabbit for the delicate raw morceau. 



