105 



Gorse is preferred, perhaps, to any other kind of 

 plant as, however much it may rain, the ground beneath 

 is always dry, but it has the objection that in a very 

 strong wind it is continually moving. This a fox does 

 not hke, as in addition to his sense of smell he is depen- 

 dant to a certain extent on his hearing for a warning 

 of danger, which the continuous rusthng of the gorse 

 might drown. A supply of water within the covert ia 

 an advantage, because a fox usually wakes up two or 

 three times during the day and often likes to have a 

 drink, which is, of course, not feasible if he has to go 

 outside for it. 



With the increasing head of poultry kept and the 

 number distributed over the fields, a great temptation 

 is put in the fox's way to make an easy meal, and 

 though he may kill one to eat, it must be admitted he 

 frequently goes on kiUing for the lust of slaughter. 

 These unorthodox items may occasionally help to 

 assuage his hunger, but rats, mice and beetles form 

 the chief staple of his diet. All of these have to be 

 hunted for, which helps to keep a healthy fox fit and 

 in good condition. 



This hunting teaches a fox much that is useful to 

 him when pursued by hounds and gives him an intimate 

 knowledge of the country. By the dehcate membranes 

 of the nose he can analyse the various scents of different 

 animals, and this gives him a shrewd idea of the link 

 between himself and the hounds, when it is favourable 

 or otherwise. 



Turning down foxes should never be resorted to if it 

 can possibly be avoided, and no one, landowner or 

 otherwise, should turn a fox down unless he gets per- 

 mission from the master. Farmers dishke turned down 

 foxes, and nothing annoys them more than to hear it 

 has been done. 



