Hoii' to Manage a Vixen and Her Cubs. 73 



existing earths only, but examine all big rabbit 

 burrows, dry drains, hollow stumps, and also 

 earths which have been long stopped and disused, 

 for a vixen is very energetic, and soon tears out a 

 place in which to deposit her cubs. 



When a vixen is found to be regularly occupying 

 an earth, keep her as free from Interference as 

 possible, and if only one litter is desired on an 

 estate, close all other earths so as to prevent more 

 vixens taking up residence. Construct a neat 

 faggot, just capable of fitting the entrance to her 

 earth, and on the morning hounds are expected 

 close it at the last moment, removing the faggot 

 directly the pack has cleared away. Carry out 

 this work with as little disturbance as possible, as 

 it Is only Intended to prevent foxes entering when 

 driven before hounds ; the vixen will take care 

 they do not enter at other times, and no fear need 

 be entertained that any foxes besides the vixen will 

 be shut in when the earth is closed on the morning 

 of the hunt. 



It does not matter where a vixen is located 

 during the first few weeks following upon the 

 birth of her cubs, because they are subsisting on 

 her milk only, and she does not require to kill 

 game for their sustenance ; consequently, she will 

 do no appreciable damage. Much of her own 



