172 THE DIARY OF A HUNTSMAN 



the runs. The wildest and best will go where they 

 can be most quiet, which is generally in the most 

 distant covers, and, when found, go back into the 

 best country. 



But there are stout foxes which will not leave 

 the covers they are used to, beyond a few days ; 

 and constantly run the same line when found. Such 

 require extraordinary methods to beat them ; and 

 the following account of a run may be a useful hint.. 



An old fox had been found several times bv the 

 pack belonging to the present writer, and as invari- 

 ably run a ring of about three miles, taking a round 

 of small covers ; by which he generally moved other 

 foxes, and saved himself. Application was made 

 late in the season to try one more day for this fox, 

 as he was suspected of doing mischief amongst 

 game. He was found, as usual, and run the same 

 ring twice. When running it the third time, the 

 hounds were stopped, and quietly walked back, to 

 the surprise of a large field of sportsmen ; on 

 reaching an open part, as was expected, the hunted 

 fox was seen coming the same line as before, 

 directly towards the hounds, which got a view, and 

 so astonished him, that he went straight away, and 

 was killed twelve miles (as the crow flies) from 

 where he was found. 



