General Remarks. 



97 



when lying above ground are constantly being put 

 on foot. If this occurs, a fox will start hunting, and 

 it does not make for quietude in the preserves if 

 foxes are continually wandering about and dis- 

 turbing the coverts. Where a fox can be kept at 

 ground a find Is more to be relied upon, for 

 Reynard may easily be shut out when hounds are 

 expected. The great advantage of allowing foxes 

 to remain at ground Is that they stay there In 

 peace the major portion of the twenty-four hours, 

 perfectly free from Interference, If wandering curs 

 can be kept from entering the earths. It Is their 

 nature to sleep through the day If permitted to do 

 so, and roam only at night. Foxes not allowed 

 to have and occupy earths are forced to secure 

 what rest they can above ground, and are con- 

 stantly being put on foot by dogs, Intruders of the 

 human kind, and even by loud voices at a 

 distance They may not leave a covert, but are 

 compelled to move about it In search of quiet ; 

 and when at this do not lose opportunities of 

 seizing game, should such present themselves. 

 The mere fact of a fox wandering about in the 

 daytime creates a disturbance amongst game In a 

 covert, and has the effect of scaring a portion of 

 it to other quarters. Where foxes are kept at 

 ground they do not emerge, except under special 



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