CHAPTER TEN. 



FOX COVERTS. 



THERE are many people who consider themselves 

 experts on this subject, but few of them agree 

 as to methods of planting or as to what makes 

 the most satisfactory covert. All are entitled to hold 

 their own opinions, and I am not setting myseK up in 

 opposition to them or posing as an authority, but shall 

 merely give those who read these lines the benefit 

 of what has come to me from experience and observation. 



The fox is really the person who ought to be con- 

 sulted, but he unfortunately cannot give us his advice, 

 and the only way to ascertain his wishes is by carefully 

 noting the spots he selects for a kennel. This is what 

 I have endeavoured to do and if my conclusions prove 

 to be wrong it is due to faulty observation. 



Woods are frequently planted for timber, for shelter 

 or ornament, and are not made exclusively to hold 

 foxes, although they may frequently be certain finds. 

 The coverts which I am going to consider firstly are 

 those built for the express purpose of holding a fox 



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