Mangy Foxes and Game. 63 



those who have closely observed the actions of 

 the wretched creature. For wanton damage it 

 is far worse than a healthy fox. 



A practical keeper will quickly recognise the 

 work of a mangy fox, for his efforts to save nests 

 are of no avail, and his scares and protective fluids 

 appear perfectly useless. By a little watching he 1 

 will soon ascertain if the fox responsible is mangy, | 

 and in such a case the keeper is warranted in j 

 at once taking measures to destroy the animal. ' 

 When he succeeds he should allow some respon- 

 sible person to see the carcass, as a proof that 

 the fox was mangy and of no possible use for 

 hunting. Should a keeper be known to destroy 

 a fox, even if he did so under the provocation 

 that it was mangy and destroying his nests, 

 people who relate the occurrence are apt to forget 

 that the animal was diseased, and he will soon 

 discover himself alluded to as a habitual trapper ^ 

 of foxes of all degrees. Hence the advice that 

 he should show the carcass to his master or other 

 responsible individual. 



It is not to be supposed that many foxes live 

 to a good old age — their existence being far too 

 precarious for this to occur often — but if a very 

 old fox does manage to survive he becomes a 

 fearful nuisance. Stiff of limb, and having lost 



