220 THE FOX 



only tree near. Presently he saw the fox coming. It 

 ran to the edge of the cliff and disappeared. Spring- 

 ing out, the watcher stopped the hounds. Then he 

 crawled to the edge of the cliff and looked over. 

 Great was his surprise when he found himself looking 

 into the eyes of the fox, which was holding on by its 

 paws to the face of the cliff, just under the edge. Its 

 mask was pointing upwards, so that it must have turned 

 as it scrambled over the brink. Directly it saw the 

 man it climbed quickly up and made good its escape. 

 It is evident that the chances of the chase are very 

 much in favour of the hunted fox. We have heard 

 the reproach against hunting that it is unfair for 

 many men and dogs to join in the pursuit of one 

 animal so small as the fox. In reality the advantage 

 is all on the other side. The hounds have only one 

 sense, that of smell, to guide them, and as we know 

 that is a very uncertain one, and apt to fail at critical 

 moments. On the fox's side are sight and hearing as 

 well as a keen sense of smell, a speed at least as great as 

 his pursuers', condition even more perfect, and, if he be 

 fairly treated, endurance far greater. Besides this, it 

 is a great mistake to look on the other pursuers as the 

 fox's enemies. In theory they are supposed to desire 

 his death, but in practice they more often save his 

 life. What are the holloas we hear but, in many 



