Partridge Coverts and Foxes. 55 



as they are fond of nibbling young broom, and, if 

 numerous, will utterly destroy it. 



When the covert is established, that is, when 

 sowing is finished, it will be necessary to provide 

 a fence, and this is not the least important matter. 

 Posts should be erected at least six feet high, and 

 wire-netting stretched on them in such a way that 

 it extends to the top and is buried a foot or more 

 in the ground. If dressed with tar the netting will 

 be more enduring, and the best way of doing this 

 is to dip it while rolled into a tank of tar, and 

 stand it aside for a few days to drip and dry. To 

 paint it w^hen erected is tedious work — very expen- 

 sive as regards labour and brushes. If the whole 

 of the netting cannot be dressed, that portion 

 intended to extend into the ground must be dipped 

 in tar or it is sure to rot before the rest. For 

 instructions how to erect the netting and stretch 

 it tightly refer to the chapter on the rearing-field. 



Wire-netting for fencing in a partridge covert 

 should be of four-inch mesh and strongest gauge, 

 similar to that used for folding sheep. No fox can 

 break through this or clamber over it, and the 

 partridges \n\\\ be able to pass freely in and out. 

 Such a fence is practically perfection for this 

 purpose, and where a covert or two as described 

 are established they will be a means of defying 



