THE NOBLE SCIENCE. 253 



of their turn (for no covert likely to show sport should 

 be drawn too often), I should not fear their changing 

 quarters because they are obliged permanently to put 

 up with some snug warm kennel above ground. Foxes 

 have a feline attachment to their homes ; and, with that 

 wonderful instinct which directs the return of dog-s, in 

 a manner wholly unaccountable, any given distances to 

 the places whence they have been removed, foxes are 

 known regularly to retrace their steps ; like other ferce 

 naturd, they become naturalized on the spots where 

 they are bred, and are generally to be found within the 

 scope of their native regions. In the spring, when 

 anxious to pay their devoirs to the fair, dog-foxes do 

 not consider the absence of a railroad as any impedi- 

 ment to their nocturnal visits ; but, Leander like, they 

 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, 



