392 WILD SPORTS OF THE WEST. 



upon as fast approaching — and I am convinced that 

 nothing can avert this national calamity but a vigorous 

 determination of the mountain proprietors to extend 

 protection to those limited herds which are still found, 

 though in lessened numbers, upon the Alpine heights 

 bordering on Burrishoole and Tyrawley. 



Foxes are tolerably abundant in the hunting districts, 

 and mischievously so in the mountains and islands. 

 From the latter any quantity could be procured, and 

 there is no place in Britain where covers could be so 

 easily formed, and stocked with less trouble and expense. 

 I have seen healthy foxes for days hawked over the 

 country before a purchaser could be found, and at last 

 disposed of for a few shilhngs. I once bought a fine 

 dog-fox for half-a-crown, and, had I not become his 

 owner, I verily believe the captor must have turned him 

 out upon the street. 



Hares are in most places tolerably plentiful ; in point 

 of numbers differing according to local situation and 

 the relative protection afforded to them. In the moors, 

 the mountain hares are scarce ; but, from the quantity 

 of winged and four-footed vermin, it is surprising that 

 so many are occasionally seen. 



Rabbits abound in the West of Ireland. On the 

 coast, the immense sand-banks are for miles perforated 

 with their burrows — and, notwithstanding that they 

 are unmercifully abandoned to cur-dogs, cats, and 

 vermin, their numbers continue unabated. In the 

 woods and coppices bush rabbits are numerous, and 

 cover-shooters, when beating for woodcocks, will have 

 their amusement diversified by many a running shot. 



Other wild animals, in every variety, may be met 

 with in parts of Connaught. Badgers and wild cats, 



