iv Preface, 



and the suggestions offered, it is hoped that he 

 will end by being convinced of the possibility of 

 preserving both game and foxes on the same 

 estate and in the same coverts without serious 

 detriment to either. It will be found that the case 

 both for and against foxes has been stated with 

 strict impartiality, and it may be said at once that 

 the writer's inclination is to advise as little inter- 

 ference with foxes as is consistent with the 

 reasonable requirements of game preservers, and 

 at as little cost as possible. 



For naturalists who may not be particularly 

 devoted to either hunting or shooting the 

 following pages should nevertheless prove of 

 interest, for they will be found to contain original 

 observations on the habits and life history of the 

 fox which it is believed will be new to many. 

 Humanitarians, also, may be glad to learn that 

 there are ways of defeating the wiles of a fox 

 without destroying him. 



A point which the author would seriously urge 

 upon all who are interested in the question at issue 



