SCIENCE OF FOXHUNTING. 113 



within a mile or two of their home, they know 

 not where to run. We recollect killing four young 

 foxes out of the litter of five, which had not been 

 previously disturbed, on the 1st of November, by 

 a singular misadventure. The first brace were 

 caught in covert without any sport. The second 

 having gone away to another small brake about 

 a mile distant, which lay in our draw for that day, 

 came unfortunately across our path, and the pack 

 again dividing, each lot killed their fox in the open, 

 after a short scurry, on one of the best scenting 

 days we ever remember. This pet place did not 

 produce us another fox until after Christmas, and 

 we thereby were taught a lesson always to give 

 every litter a turn before the opening day of the 

 season, leaving the earths unbarred, however, that 

 the cubs could get to ground, when disposed to 

 do so. 



We cannot prevent foxes being killed or chopped 

 in small coverts ; but we must, if possible, prevent 

 their being eaten by the hounds within the wood- 

 hedge. Take them away quickly out into the 

 adjoining field, some distance from it, and then let 

 the dismemberment of the carcase be performed. 

 Although deterred from lying during the day in 

 small coverts, from which they have been recently 

 routed by hounds, foxes visit their old haunts by 

 night, and are cautious in kennelling again near 

 the slaughter-ground of one of their family. In 

 large woods they may and will shift their ground 

 from one quarter to another, but to break up a 

 fox in a small gorse-brake, or any pet place of 



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