54 RECORDS OF THE CHASE 



WTien hunted, their style of running is directed by their 

 habits. The first of these is the most hardy ; like the 

 necessitous labourer he has to work for his living. 

 Accustomed to being in rocky cavities, adorned in some 

 instances by the unassuming privacy, oftentimes by the 

 grandly picturesque beauties of nature, his birthplace 

 and retreat are generally secure from all human intrus- 

 ion. In the most fashionable parts of the midland 

 counties such places do not prevail ; but there are a 

 few such spots in Derbyshire. The Wrekin, the 

 Titterstone and Brown Clee Hills, in Shropshire, are 

 noted places of this kind, and the foxes which frequent 

 them are proverbially stout ; on the sea-coast they are 

 more numerous, and some of these refuges may be found 

 in Yorkshire. There are many in different parts of 

 Wales, especially in Breconshire, and in the Gogerddan 

 Hunt. There is a kind of cavern called the Harp in 

 Borth Rocks, in the last-named country, truly awful to 

 contemplate, where many a fox has saved his life and 

 many a gallant hound has rushed headlong to destruc- 

 tion by endeavouring to pursue his game along the 

 narrow winding path which leads from the top of the 

 precipice to the chasm midway between the summit 

 and the sea-shore. There are several coverts within a 

 few miles, and foxes found in them frequently make 

 for the stronghold, and, should the hounds follow, 

 accidents to some of them are almost inevitable, unless 

 the huntsman and whips are aware of the line they 

 have taken in time to stop them. The mountain foxes 

 are certainly the most difficult to kill ; accustomed to 

 travel considerable distances for food, they are ac- 

 quainted with an expansive country, and, not being 

 overburdened with superfluous flesh, are generally in 

 good wind. 



I think there is little doubt that the first time a fox is 

 found he generally treads the mazes he has been 

 accustomed to when in search of his food, unless foiled 

 by some peculiar circumstances. Having led the hounds 

 as far as his knowledge of country extends, he will ver\' 



