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THE SNOW-WALKERS. 59 



The fox usually keeps half a mile ahead, regulating 

 his speed by that of the hound, occasionally pausing a 

 moment to divert himself with a mouse, or to contem- 

 plate the landscape, or to listen for his pursuer. If the 

 hound press him too closely, he leads off from moun- 

 tain to mountain, and so generally escapes the hunter; 

 but if the pursuit be slow, he plays about some ridge 

 or peak, and falls a prey, though not an easy one, to 

 the experienced sportsman. 



A most spiriting and excited chase occurs when the 

 farm-dog gets close upon one in the open field, as 

 sometimes happens in the early morning. The fox 

 relies so confidently upon his superior speed, that I 

 imagine he half tempts the dog to the race. But if the 

 dog be a smart one, and their course lies down hill, 

 over smooth ground, Reynard must put his best foot 

 forward ; and then, sometimes, suffer the ignominy of 

 being run over by his pursuer, who, however, is quite 

 unable to pick him up, owing to the speed. But when 

 they mount the hill, or enter the woods, the superior 

 nimbleness and agility of the fox tell at once, and he 

 easily leaves the dog far in his rear. For a cur less 

 than his own size he manifests little fear, especially if the 

 two meet alone, remote from the house. In such cases, 

 I have seen first one turn tail, then the other. 



A novel spectacle often occurs in summer, when the 

 female has young. You are rambling on the mountain, 

 accompanied by your dog, when you are startled by 

 that wild, half-threatening squall, and in a moment per- 



