THE NOBLE SCIENCE. 261 



animal abounds ; and it is equally clear that it would be 

 better that they should cost two sovereigns each, than 

 that the stock should be diminished, seeing that there is 

 no medium ; that they either are or are not ; that they 

 are altogether preserved, or utterly destroyed ; as there 

 is no such thing as modification in the forms of vul- 

 pecide. 



But, at the same time, in face of the fact, that most 

 of the great game preservers have as much, or far more 

 pleasure in the possession of foxes, than of game in their 

 coverts, it appears somewhat absurd that they should 

 be compelled to become parties to the purchase of 

 them, from the very servants whose duty it is to protect 

 them. The master stipulates with his keeper no less 

 for the protection of the fox, than of the pheasant, and 

 yet allows an extraordinary premium to be paid ; a prize 

 to be directly awarded to him for the fulfilment of- that, 

 in default of which he should, and generally would, be 

 discharged. In countries where so unsportsmanlike a 

 practice is permitted, as that of capping for the death of 

 a fox, it is notorious, that a kill is not unfrequently 

 accomplished by a little more mobbing than might 

 otherwise be held defensible. In like manner, where 

 there is a proportionate interest in his life, an earth will 

 be accidentally left open, or drawn, after it has been 

 stopped by the keeper, whose next fee may depend upon 



