THE MOUNTAIN-FOX. 43 



these freebooters, a man is appointed for each district 

 of the Highlands, called " the fox-hunter," whose busi- 

 ness it is to search out and destroy the young litters, in 

 which he is ably seconded by the farmers and shep- 

 herds. 



The place selected by the mountain-fox for rearing its 

 young, is widely different from that of his pigmy relation 

 of the Lowlands. Unlike the latter, who chooses an old 

 badger-earth or drain, in the midst, perhaps, of a 

 pheasant preserve, the hill-fox prefers some wild and 

 craggy ravine, on the top or side of a mountain, far 

 removed from the haunts of men. In spring, these places 

 are all narrowly searched by the shepherds, and the den 

 (for you cannot call the clefts of the rock an earth) often 

 detected by the quantities of wool, feathers of grouse, 

 &c., scattered about the entrance. These are the re- 

 mains of prey brought to the young ; for as soon as they 

 are able to eat flesh, the old ones leave them during the 

 day, bringing them food morning and evening. 



When the litter is discovered, "the fox-hunter" is 

 brought into requisition, (who often at this time has 

 more calls than he can answer;) his terriers are sent into 

 the den, and the young massacred ; a watch is then set 

 to command a view all round, in order, if possible, to 

 shoot the old ones when they return. I have been told 

 by people thus employed, that they had no idea of the 

 proverbial cunning of the fox until they saw it shown 

 upon such occasions. Although the place has been per- 



