THE IMPROVED ART OF FARRIERY. 451 



hanging about him, must needs stink extravagantly. 

 Add also to this account, that he most probablv is 

 weakened for want of his natural food and usual ex- 

 ercise, his spirit broken by despair, and his limbs 

 stiffened by confinement ; he then is turned out in 

 open ground, without any point to go to ; he runs 

 down the wind, it is true, but he is so much at a loss 

 all the while, that he loses a deal of time in not know- 

 ing what to do ; while the hounds, who have no oc- 

 casion to hunt, pursue as closely as if they were tied 

 to him. 



" Bag-foxes always run down the wind; such 

 sportsmen, therefore, who choose to turn them out, 

 may, at the same time, choose what country they shall 

 run. Foxes that are found do not follow this rule in- 

 variably. Strong earths and large covers are great in- 

 ducements to them, and it is no inconsiderable wind 

 that will keep them from them. 



" In rearing fox-cubs, a court is usually appropriated 

 to that purpose, and there they should be kept till they 

 are old enough to take care of themselves. It should 

 be open at the top, and walled in ; it must be every 

 way well secured, and particularly the floor of it, which 

 must be either bricked or paved. A few boards fitted 

 to the corners will also be of use to shelter and hide 

 them. Foxes ought to be kept very clean, and have 

 plenty of fresh water ; birds and rabbits are their best 

 food ; horse-flesh might give them mange, for they 

 are subject to this disorder. 



" When cubs are bred in an earth near hand, by 

 adding two or three to the number, it is probable that 

 the old fox will take care of them. This is certain, 

 if they live they will be good foxes, for the others 

 will show them the country. Those turned into an 

 earth should be regularly fed ; if once neglected, it is 



