Tricks and Habits of the Fox. 1 1 7 



A tired fox jumping a fence from a woodland 

 into an open will frequently skirt the fence for a 

 few hundred yards and jump back into the wood, 

 whereas if fresh he would take an air line across 

 the open. 



Foxes in all countries are stronger, hardier, 

 and give a much longer and better chase in every 

 way during the months of December and January 

 than in any other. This is especially true of the 

 dog fox, who at this time is unusually bold and 

 audacious. 



A gorged fox is as unfit to run as a darky 

 after a visit to a watermelon patch ; a red fox in 

 this condition will often be mistaken for a gray 

 fox from his unusual manner of conducting his 

 campaign against the hounds. 



A fresh fox, pressed hard, will circle and pass 

 close to his hole several times without entering. 

 I have heard old hunters advance the theory that 

 a fox when heated will avoid his hole as long as 

 possible for fear of suffocation. I know nothing 

 in contradiction of this and merely state the facts. 



If after a straight away run of several miles 

 the line begins to twist and turn, and a complete 

 loss is then made, do not attempt to get up an- 

 other fox, but leisurely return to the jumping 

 place, and the chances are you will find him there 

 ahead of you and ready for another run. 



It is easy to tell from the appearance and ac- 

 tion of sheep when a fox has passed through the 



