HUNTING DIRECTORY. 19 



Old Method of Fox-hunting. 



then they will sooner die than stir. — They make their 

 earths as near as they can in stony ground, or amongst 

 the roots of trees ; and their earths have commonly but 

 one hole, and that is straight a long way in before it 

 comes at their couch : sometimes craftily they possess 

 themselves of a badger's old burrow, which hath variety 

 of chambers, holes, and angles. When a good terrier 

 doth once bind the fox, he then yearns and defends him- 

 self very notably, but not so strenuously as the badger, 

 nor is his biting half so dangerous. 



** Of fox-hunting above ground. — To this purpose 

 you must draw with your hounds about groves, thickets, 

 and bushes near villages ; a fox will lurk in such places 

 to prey on young pigs and poultry ; but it will be neces- 

 sary to stop up his earths, if you can find them, the night 

 before you intend to hunt, and the best time will be 

 about midnight, for then the fox goeth out to seek his 

 prey : you may stop his holes by laying two white sticks 

 across before them, which will make him imagine it is 

 some gin or trap laid for him ; or else you may stop them 

 up close with black thorns and earth together. 



" The best hunting a fox above ground, is in January, 

 February, and March, for then you shall best see your 

 hounds hunting, and best find his earthing ; besides, at 

 those times the fox's skin is best in season. Again, the 

 hounds best hunt the fox in the coldest weather, because 

 he leaveth a very strong scent behind him ; yet, in cold 

 weather, it chills fastest. At first, only cast off your 

 sure finders, and as the drag mends, so add more as you 

 dare trust them. Shun easting off too many hounds at 

 once, because woods and coverts are full of sundry 



