SCIENCE OF FOXHUNTING. 23 



induced from their departure, in a domesticated 

 state, from the laws of nature. We do not hear 

 that the cubs of lions and tigers, bears, wolves and 

 foxes, are subject to those most prevalent maladies 

 amongst the canine species mange and distemper 

 simply because their supply of food, although 

 very limited, is of the most nutritious quality. 

 Our acquaintance with the habits of tigers and 

 lions in their natural state is very much on a par 

 with the numerous companies springing up every 

 day limited ; but we know something of the fox 

 and dog kind. 



In a state of nature, wild dogs, as well as 

 wild foxes, subsist on animal food entirely, which 

 requires a considerable time for digestion ; and the 

 quantity at any time obtained rarely exceeds their 

 requirements. What is a rabbit or leveret divided 

 amongst five or six hungry cubs, which have not 

 tasted food since the previous night ? as the dog- 

 fox and vixen seldom seek their prey during the 

 day, and their cubs do not venture forth from the 

 bowels of the earth until long after the last glim- 

 mering light of the sun has subsided into the far 

 west. When the buzzing sound of the cockchafer 

 or black-beetle proclaims the advent of night, then, 

 and not till then, do the young foxes quit their 

 dens to catch these fleeting objects, as they fall 

 against the trees or bushes by which they are sur- 

 rounded, whilst their mammas and papas are out on 

 more substantial foraging. But then rabbits and 

 hares are not always so easily brought to hand or 

 mouth requiring, like some young ladies, a deal 



