ODDS AND KiNDS. loy 



alarm is of more Importance than keeping out 

 of sight. In the forest here, they have a 

 habit of running the rides when hunted, and 

 when, being a certain distance in front of 

 hounds, there is no cause for hurry or alarm ; 

 they find the rides much easier going than 

 the heath, which latter is most tiring for foxes 

 and hounds alike. 



A fox has very little sense of fear, his 

 proverbial cheek seems to more than counter- 

 balance any innate timidity ; even when hunted 

 he Is not in the least alarmed, and it is only at 

 the very last moment, or when quite beaten and 

 the hounds snapping at him, that he awakens to 

 the fact that the business is more serious than 

 he imagined. Notice the expression on the face 

 and in the eyes of a hunted hare, or a rabbit 

 pursued by a stoat ; the agonised look In the 

 dilated pupils show that they are almost 

 paralysed with terror, and realise to the full 

 extent their danger, whilst the elliptical pupil 

 of the fox becomes more elongated, and the 

 expression even more cunning, as he canters 

 quietly along, rather enjoying himself than 

 otherwise. 



Foxhunting is undoubtedly the most merciful 



