240 TERTEBKATA. 
extensive destruction among the several descriptions of game. In tliose woods where foxe* 
abound to a considerable extent, they will so diminish the number of rabbits that very few can 
be seen at any time. Becoming under these circumstances extremely scarce, oven to the foxes 
themselves, they are compelled to extend their nightly rambles to a considerable distance from 
home. If there is a young family to be j>rovided for, they are often bold and detennined in 
search of, and in seizing tlieir prey. The old fox will then leave the earths early in the after- 
noon, or just before the sun has reached the west ; and, proceeding very cautiously, will approacli 
the homestead situated nearest the cover, or the dwelling of the woodman. Indeed, they fre- 
quently visit the farmyard, and seize the first fowl that comes within their reach, especially if 
they have strayed a little distance from home. Many instances have occurred, where the old 
farmyard cock, the father of a nimierous progeny, after taking his many wives over live-barred 
THE FOX AND THE GOOSE. 
gates, has been seized and borne away into the dense cover, notwithstanding his loud but una 
vailing cries, which have sent his companions homeward in a tremendous hurry and alarm. 
" Some years ago, a gentleman had a remarkably fine game-cock from a very celebrated breed. 
He was seized in the way just described; the alann was given, a gun was taken, and the trigger 
pulled. The shot took cff'ect, and the thief was laid prostrate on the ground. The bird, liberated 
from his grasp, jumped on the body of the fox, clapped his wings, and crowed right lustily — a 
sufiicient proof of his high birth. 
"It is a common opinion that if the parent fox fails to bring home a supply of food, to satisfy 
the cravings of hunger, her own cubs will deprive her of existence. This is somewhat question- 
able ; still, the assertion has been boldly maintained, and its truth is said to have been confirmed. 
For instance, many years ago, a bark-stripper, who was occupied very early in the morning on 
the outside of a very intricate cover, saw an old fox returning home with a fine goose upon her 
back. The man watched the proceedings. A large hay-stack stood near the wood side, and this 
spot was within a short distance of the earths, which were found in an extremely dense and rocky 
