COMMON FOX. 77 



and to run along some distance before jumping down, 

 and to spring across the corners. 



A Fox, when hunted by a single hound, has been known 

 to turn on its pursuer, fight with him, and to escape. 

 The Fox has also been known to play with dogs. A rare 

 instance is recorded in the Field of a Fox having taken 

 to the sea in Sussex when pursued by the hounds. 



What sportsman does not recollect with pleasure the 

 mounted gathering at a meet of the Fox-hounds on a 

 fine winter's morning, the cheery greetings, the various 

 mounts, the bright-coloured suits, and the several 

 carriages, and at last the arrival of the master of the 

 hounds, who brings forward his charge like so many 

 school- children, running and playing with each other ? 

 The bright sun, the blue sky, and the autumnual foliage 

 complete the agreeable surroundings. 



After a trot of a few seconds, we either arrive at a 

 covert or proceed to a field near at hand. The hounds 

 are now laid on in a copse or wood, or perhaps in a 

 bunch of furze bushes, which is generally a favourite 

 hiding-place of the Fox. When a scent is found, the Fox 

 is forced, after a few doublings, to leave his shelter, and 

 crosses a field, followed by his pursuers, both four and 

 two-legged. 



The blow of the horn, so short and invigorating, which 

 can scarcely be easily forgotten, is now perhaps heard ; 

 many falls take place at hedges, gates, etc., and when 

 hounds are running, the foremost are at times thrown 

 out by taking an injudicious turn, or by a sudden turn 

 of the Fox ; others gain a prominent position, or those 

 thrown out regain theirs. The Fox, as a rule, has not 

 a great chance of escape, unless he can reach his earth, 

 which, if situate in a chalk-pit, or the top of a hill or 

 precipice, is generally secure ; but he is sometimes dug 



