LETTER XIII. 135 



only, where it may suit their purpose, but in nothing 

 else), without any particular inquiries, seized upon this 

 lame story as an excuse to commence operations against 

 the foxes, and, accordingly, orders were issued from 

 head-quarters for their destruction forthwith. 



A fox-hunting squire, whose lands and coverts adjoined, 

 and who also possessed a herd of deer rather more nu- 

 merous than his noble neighbour, took great umbrage at 

 this wanton destruction of foxes upon so shallow a pre- 

 tence ; and seized the opportunityj at a public dinner, 

 where many sporting gentlemen and farmers were pre- 

 sent, of commenting upon such a liberal proceeding. 

 All expressed their astonishment at any one believing 

 such a cock-and-bull story, but they were still more sur- 

 prized when the squire exclaimed, " True, gentlemen, 

 quite true, upon the word of the keeper. No one will 

 believe what ravenous brutes these foxes have become ; 

 dainty dogs, not satisfied with venison for supper, but 

 the villains must have bacon for breakfast, and I expect 

 next, they will have one of my Scotch bullocks for 

 Christmas ! You may judge, gentlemen, of the lengths 

 they will go, when I tell you that one of my tenants 

 came to me with a very long face yesterday, and said he 

 hoped I would give orders directly for the foxes to be 

 shot, or he must give up his holding. * Why so, John 

 Grubber ?' * Because, Sir, there's no standing 'em any 

 longer ; I don't mind a fowl or two, or may be a goose 

 at odd times, but that don't suit 'em now a days, they be 

 come so ventursome like, and strong with it too, you 

 wouldn't believe it, Sir.' * Well, then, John, what are 

 you driving at ? out with it.' ' Well, Sir, you won't 

 believe it, nor any one else, but this is all about it. I 



