THE FOX. 39 



lost at a particular place, where the hounds could never 

 recover the scent. Curiosity being excited by this cir- 

 cumstance, it was at last discovered that he jumped 

 upon and ran along a clipped hedge, at the end of which 

 was an old pollard oak tree, hollow in the middle. Into 

 this he crept, and there he lay concealed till the alarm 

 was over. 



Another stratagem may be mentioned. Mr. Haw- 

 kins, of Pittsfield, in America, was accompanied by two 

 bloodhounds, in pursuit of foxes. The dogs found one, 

 which they pursued for nearly two hours, when suddenly 

 they appeared at fault. Mr. Hawkins came up with 

 them near a large log of wood lying on the ground, and 

 felt much surprise at their making a circuit of a few 

 roods without an object in view, every trace of reynard 

 seeming lost, while the dogs continued yelping. On 

 looking about, he discovered the fox stretched on the 

 log, apparently lifeless, and made several unsuccessful 

 efforts to direct the dogs towards the place. At length 

 he approached so near to the animal as distinctly to 

 observe him breathe. But even then he exhibited no 

 alarm ; and Mr. Hawkins seizing the branch of a tree 

 that lay close by, aimed a blow at him, which the fox 

 evaded by a leap from his singular lurking-place, having 

 for a time effectually eluded his enemies. 



