CHAPTER VII. 



WATERFOWL AND FOXES. 



From their habits it might be imagined that 

 waterfowl would be beyond the reach of foxes, but 

 the curiosity which impels these birds to follow a 

 little sandy dog up a decoy-pipe leads to their 

 falling a prey to a fox. Reynard does not mind a 

 cold bath in the least, if by risking it he may 

 obtain a tasty duck for supper, as he dearly loves 

 all waterfowl to eat. There is no surer find for 

 hounds than a covert encircling a lake or pond fre- 

 quented by waterfowl ; but a fox forced to leave 

 this comfortable spot is generally too fat to run 

 far. Reynard secures waterfowl in many ways, 

 his favourite plan being to lie perfectly still, hidden 

 in the undergrowth at the water's edge, and then 

 when the birds come swimming near to leap for 

 one and swim or wade out with it. To prevent 

 this sort of trickery rushes and undergrowth must 

 be cut back a good eight feet from the edge, 

 so that a hiding place is not to be found within 



