90 THE FOX 



found in Leicestershire. The richness of the soil 

 causes the thorn to grow vigorously, and grass and 

 undergrowth spring up, forming a shelter for foxes. 

 Real gorse has the advantage of thriving well in a 

 poor sandy soil. In making a gorse covert the slope 

 of a hill facing south should be chosen, not only 

 because the fox prefers such a situation but also 

 because gorse thrives best on land with that aspect. 

 Although gorse grows freely where once established, 

 the young plants require care : they are somewhat 

 delicate and tender at first and grow but slowly. The 

 land in which the gorse is to be planted should be 

 thoroughly cleaned and all twitch-grass and weeds 

 removed. It is a good plan to cut off the top and 

 burn it when the land is foul. The ground should 

 be ploughed over thoroughly. The seed may be 

 drilled, and the ground round the young shoots must 

 be carefully hoed and weeded until the plants have 

 taken a good start. After a time gorse coverts become 

 very hollow and of course cease to hold foxes. A 

 section should be burned or cut every year. Gorse 

 requires much care, but is very useful, being excellent 

 food for cattle and horses. Besides the gorse or 

 thorn covert, any group of trees may be made attractive 

 to foxes by a little attention. Sloe, common clematis 

 and mountain ash may be planted, and broom and 



