98 Game and Foxes. 



circumstances, till nightfall, and then every 

 pheasant which is adult should be at roost. 



Hunting men ought at once to recognise the 

 importance of keeping foxes at ground, for a fox 

 which rests all day is in a fit condition for a long 

 ramble during the hours of darkness ; and it is 

 at such a time the country and the way about it 

 is learned. A fox wandering by day seldom 

 learns anything in the way suggested, for it is 

 scared at every turn. Neither is a fox which has 

 its rest disturbed by day able to roam far, for it 

 generally secures a meal, and is then glad to lie 

 down and sleep in peace. 



In a clay country foxes are not much accus- 

 tomed to being at ground unless artificial earths 

 are provided, for nearly every litter of cubs is 

 reared in a hollow stump or similar shelter. 

 Under these circumstances the game suffers 

 greatly, as the foxes feed to a large extent by 

 day and sleep at night, when they are more free 

 from interference. If a fox gets a hare it is 

 always by jumping on puss while she is in her 

 form, and this can hardly occur unless Reynard is 

 on the prowl by day. Rabbits, like foxes, find 

 great difficulty in burrowing in a clay soil, and a 

 large number live and are bred above ground ; 

 consequently they suffer more than would be the 



