HUNTING DAYS 



189 



If in any animal instinct has developed into a form of 

 reason, it is in the fox. A Welsh observer has given some 

 evidence that the dog-fox will on occasion drive the game 

 to the vixen ; but whether or not this is so, almost all their 

 actions show notable deliberation, give the suggestion that 



the action whatever it may be is thought out. This holds 

 through the chase till the point of death. Foxes realise the 

 danger of their own scent. A hard pressed fox has been 

 seen to roll itself well over in a heap of manure. He fre- 

 quently runs through a drain or takes to water, or attempts to 

 confuse the trail among a flock of sheep. 



The hunting months of the year may be said to be four. 

 The summer-time is ended with the first cub-hunt, at five 



