THE NOBLE SCIENCE. 27i: 



will dare the space of flood or field, in their travels 

 towards the object of their affections. It is then that 

 runs occur unheard of at any other time ; and it is for- 

 tunate that bold Reynard does not invariably pay the 

 forfeit of his life for his gallantry, for seasoned foxes are 

 no less necessary to sport than seasoned hounds. The 

 cubs of the year, however vigorous, have not sufficient 

 knowledge of the world to face any extent of country. 

 For this reason, the plan of closing the earths in Octo- 

 ber, and keeping them fast till the breeding season 

 (when they must be opened, as you cannot change the 

 nature or propensities of the animal), is also to be 

 recommended, as foxes would acquire a greater habit 

 of locomotion, be more frequently disturbed, and, 

 therefore, necessarily more acquainted with country. 

 This plan would also obviate the risk of an occurrence 

 which, it is to be feared, is only too frequent, that of 

 stopping foxes under ground, by the laziness of the 

 earth-stopper — who, upon a dark winter's morning, will 

 not quit his bed — till the fox has returned to ground with 

 his breakfast. Moreover, foxes are notoriously indo- 

 lent, if not forced by hunger to exertion ; they are not 

 nice as to the freshness of their viands, rather approv- 

 ing, like some other foul feeders, of the high gout, or 

 odour, of decomposition ; and when the pantry below is 

 well stored, they are (especially in blustering weather) 

 in no haste to emerge into the blessings of daylight. If 



