IN THE SHIRES 



field, but the plantations are the chief harbour. 

 No matter how small a covert may be, so long as 

 it contains snug lying, and is free from disturbance, 

 a fox or foxes will sooner or later take up their 

 abode there. 



In the old days, when the country was unen- 

 closed, the woods were generally large and wide 

 apart. To suit modern conditions, more coverts 

 were required, set nearer together and of less 

 acreage. In the Shires, many such coverts were 



A Snug Kennei<. 



planted for the benefit of foxes. To keep a 

 covert quiet, the fences should be thick and im- 

 penetrable, and the under growth of the same 

 nature. A close growing thorn or gorse covert 

 will keep out prowling curs and idle humans, and 

 affords perfect protection for foxes, which can 

 creep about inside it. Neither dogs or men are 

 fond of penetrating thorny growth, and so they 

 think twice before attempting to disturb coverts 

 of this nature. Fox coverts should be carefully 

 looked after, more particularly the fences. Thorns 



63 



