44 IN THE GREEN LEAF 



qualities that it is possible for any creature to 

 have or hold setting on one side the question 

 of sport which he provides in the season. 

 Tradition has had much to do with this 

 tradition still firmly believed in by some at 

 the present time. All his bad deeds are freely 

 spoken about, but very rarely his good ones. 

 Yet the fox is to a certain extent a killer of 

 vermin ; and some of the depredations laid to 

 his charge are committed by other creatures. 

 I am well aware that any question concerning 

 Reynard is a very delicate one to discuss, 

 let alone venturing to write about him ; for 

 opinions vary greatly. Wide-awake he is at 

 all times to take advantage of what man may 

 rear and protect for his own especial benefit. 

 Cunning he is in the full sense of the word, 

 but not more so than some other creatures : 

 he has been fixed upon as a very convenient 

 scapegoat, and such he will have to remain. 



Turkeys, geese, ducks, pheasants, hares and 

 rabbits, also fish when the chance offers he 

 samples them all, one must freely admit the 

 fact ; but those who have to look after these do 

 their best to balk Reynard in his weakness for 

 luxuries. It is only in starving, winter weather 

 that he will not be denied. 



