Foxes on Shooting Days. 69 



reduced the hares, and sportsmen do not now 

 trouble about them ; were they as plentiful as in 

 years gone past there would be more trouble over 

 sport with the hares being spoiled by foxes. 



To close coverts against hunting till they have 

 been shot through is not always a wise plan, 

 especially if the district around is being regularly 

 hunted ; foxes are quick to discover where they 

 are allowed peace, and are certain to congregate 

 in such a haven. If this occurs, more harm may 

 be inflicted in the end than would be caused by 

 drawing those coverts once or twice. 



In the first part of this chapter earths were 

 alluded to as a necessity, and it must be under- 

 stood that natural earths are intended — not the 

 artificial abominations in which foxes contract 

 mange. Where the soil consists of heavy clay, 

 foxes may not be able to tear out earths, and this 

 is the only instance in which artificial earths are 

 permissible. Such places can be constructed on 

 sanitary principles, and the reader is advised to 

 seek qualified advice before attempting to make 

 one. 



