FOXES 101 



thrown loosely together on the ground, then 

 some large branches heaped on the top of them, 

 and finally dead thorns or sticks of any descrip- 

 tion piled high up, when a complete shelter will 

 have been made that should satisfy the require- 

 ments of any fox. 



It may here be remarked that the slit to which 

 a fox's eye contracts in daylight differs from the 

 similar slit in a cat's eye, the former being nearly 

 horizontal and the latter perpendicular. 



If the earth is not situated in a wood there 

 must be a convenient hedge by which the fox 

 can approach the entrance to the earth, and 

 depart, without being observed, or the scheme 

 will prove a failure. 



Water must be close at hand. 



If there is any fear of damp getting in, supple- 

 mentary drains must be cut to prevent it, for 

 foxes will not lie in a damp kennel. No situation 

 should be selected where there is a chance of any 

 flood entering the pipes from the ditch. 



It is only on very rare occasions that an 

 artificial earth ought to be stopped, as foxes 

 should learn to regard it as a sanctuary, available 

 at all times. They do not mind being bolted 

 from it any number of times, but dislike being 

 stopped out when they need its shelter. 



The earth itself consists of a wooden box, very 

 near the surface so that it can easily be opened 

 and cleansed, out of which two sets of pipes 

 proceed, which should be so arranged that a fox 

 can easily escape out of the other, if an assailant 

 enters by one of them ; but which he can also 

 defend at advantage if he so prefers. When all 

 the conditions are to its liking a fox takes very 

 kindly to such an earth, and they answer very 



