Foxes and the Rearing Field. 39 



it may be used as a searchlight, to ascertain the 

 cause of any disturbance detected by the watcher. 



It is a question if a light and portable electric 

 apparatus could not be devised to scare foxes 

 from the rearing-field, as a very slight shock on 

 touching a wire w^ould be quite sufficient to drive 

 one away. This ought to be easy of accomplish- 

 ment, and the suggestion is commended to 

 electricians, for such an apparatus would meet 

 with a ready sale. 



Whatever scares and means of protection 

 against foxes are employed, it never does to place 

 too great dependence in them, for Reynard has a 

 bad habit of springing surprises on one, and, as 

 before stated, a watcher should be within hearing 

 in case of emergency. A man for watching during 

 the hours of darkness requires careful selection, 

 for if he cannot be relied upon to keep awake 

 he will be worse than useless, and the rearer 

 must get rid of the idea that a man can work 

 by day and watch by night. The dual duty is 

 impossible, and the rearer who expects it courts 

 disaster. A man possessing perfect hearing 

 powers, not given to drink, and who will rest by 

 day, is the man for night-work, for there are men 

 who will not retire to bed by day if they get the 

 chance. The hours of darkness are not many 



