KENNEL TERRIERS 



CHAPTER XIX 



IN the old days, and even until comparatively 

 recent times, the professional earth- 

 stopper was a regular member of the Hunt 

 staff. Most hunting people are familiar v'Ab. 

 the picture by W. Cooper, depicting an old-time 

 earth-stopper, seated on his pony, with his spade, 

 pick, and lantern over his shoulder, and two 

 varminty-looking terriers trotting alongside. As 

 the earth-stopper's duties were mainly carried out 

 at night during the winter months, he was often 

 supplied with — in addition to his tools — a drop 

 of gin to keep the cold out. 



When each Hunt had its professional earth- 

 stopper, the work was properly done and very 

 few foxes got to ground. Such a man took his 

 business seriously, and familiarised himself with 

 all the earths and possible hiding places for 

 foxes in his country. To-day the work is re- 

 legated to the keepers, and though many of them 

 do their best doubtless to stop the earths care- 

 fully, the business is often slurred over and a 

 good many foxes consequently get to ground. 

 In addition to the regular earths there are many 

 drains which afford refuge for foxes, and sooner 

 or later the time comes when a terrier is re- 

 quisitioned to eject Reynard from his underground 

 retreat. A couple or two of good working 

 terriers are worth their weight in gold to the 



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