256 THE NOBLE SCIENCE. 



are too deep for their enemies. Unless coverts are well 

 guarded, a litter of cubs is, probably, nowliere so safe 

 from molestation as within, the bowels of the earth, 

 where even those bred above ground are often removed, 

 by the vixen, when she may flee thither for sanctuary. 

 We must, therefore, weigh well the pros and cons, 

 before deciding upon the demolition of such places of 

 refuo^e. I had serious thouo-hts of attachino^ to the 

 hunting establishment, an earth-stopper for a whole 

 district, independent entirely of the local professors in 

 this department ; but here, again, the difficulty presented 

 itself of reforming (even when that term is synonymous 

 with the improvement of) things that have been. By 

 dispensing with the services, it would unadvisedly pro- 

 voke the hostility, of a whole body, too well acquainted 

 with the power of working mischief; but where the 

 expense of an extra servant is no object, it would be 

 very desirable to have an active supervisor, responsible 

 for the proper performance of their duties. 



With regard to gamekeepers, and the manner in 

 which they are supposed to be concerned in the destruc- 

 tion of foxes, I have already shown the interest which 

 they have in their preservation ; nor do I believe that 

 this interest would be decreased, were they moderately 

 rewarded, instead of immoderately overpaid for their 

 pains. Many of the cleverest and most successful in 

 their calling, have a spice of the true spirit within them, 

 a lurking passion for the cry of hounds, a feeling of 

 enjoyment in the sight of them, which is evinced by the 



