FOXES FOXHOUNDS & FOX-HUNTING 



hill foxes seek refuge in the rocky borrans which 

 so plentifully bestrew the fell slopes. Just as 

 the terriers run risks underground, so do the 

 hounds often face danger on the crags. Many 

 of the latter such as Dove Crag, Dow Crag, Green- 

 how End, etc., are desperate looking places, where 

 a slip means death on the rocks far below. When 

 we consider the rocky nature of the fell country, 

 it is surprising how few really serious accidents 

 happen to the hounds in the fell packs. 



The fells may be said to carry a good scent 

 during the regular hunting season, but in April 

 and May it is necessary to meet early in the morn- 

 ing before the sun has dispelled the dew. All 

 the fell packs continue to hunt until the middle 

 of May in order to put an end to any foxes which 

 are responsible for lamb-worrying. Never a 

 season passes without certain foxes becoming 

 notorious in this respect. 



As may be imagined the exigencies of the 

 weather on the fells have a considerable influence 

 on sport. In April, for instance, while the dale 

 are bathed in warmth and sunshine the high tops 

 may still be in the grip of winter. The weather 

 has to be pretty severe before it stops hunting, 

 but when the snow-filled gullies become frozen 

 and the crags are sheathed in ice, it is time to 

 have a turn in the low country where conditions 

 are less Arctic. In soft snow hounds are often 

 able to run well, and owing to their length of leg 

 they have their fox somewhat at a disadvantage. 

 The average tourist visits the fells in summer, but 

 there are days in winter when the views are 

 equally pleasing, and the air more bracing. Wind 

 and rain can be very trying on the fells at times, 

 particularly in combination. Getting wet is 

 nothing to anyone accustomed to an out-door life, 



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