THE EDUCATION OF THE FOX 31 



I have certainly seen on several occasions two or 

 three foxes in coverts where I believe there were, 

 as a rule, none at all. When the shoot is over the 

 keeper looks out for them, but they are gone. A 

 fox always works back to his own lair, whether 

 that be above ground or below. Thus many a 

 covert-owner has the credit for foxes he has not, 

 because one or two have turned up in the course 

 of the day attracted by the firing. We know that 

 the fox is very keen to interpret all scents and 

 sounds that suggest food or danger, and various 

 devices to protect nests of game birds, after being 

 useful for a time as a deterrent, have in the end 

 acted as a signpost to direct the fox to them. 



When the vixen ceases to train her cubs, all 

 nature combines to help on his education. Clever, 

 active, and patient, the fox finds that other animals 

 have these qualities. Life is not all play, though 

 there is much pleasure. There is no doubt that 

 in hunting there is keen pleasure which, in our 

 case and in that of the hounds, has survived the 

 necessity of seeking food. The fox unquestionably 

 enjoys his hunting as well as the food it brings. 



One of the first things a young fox learns for 

 himself is the use of his nose. He is gifted with 

 a very delicate sense of smell. I have thought 



