252 THE MOOR AND THE LOCH. 



The place selected by the mountain-fox for rearing its 

 young is widely different from that of its 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 narrowly searched by the shep- 

 herds, 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 perfectly bare, the old ones have come unperceived 

 within ten yards of the party, and were at last only discovered 

 by the straining of the dogs on the leash. I have often heard 

 the watchers say, that the ease with which the " tod " avoids 

 their faces, and skulks behind their backs, is most surprising. 

 If the foxes escape the guns', as they commonly do, the 

 " streakers " l are slipped upon them, and, if not then run 

 down, nothing remains to be done but again to set the watch. 

 So long as the old ones are prevented from entering, they will 

 return morning and evening for several days ; but should 

 either of them get access, and miss the young, they come 

 back no more. At those times of the year when there are 



1 A breed between the largest size of greyhound and foxhound. Some of them 

 are swift, very savage, and admirably adapted for the purpose. 



