THE LIFE OF A FOX. 113

consequence of our knowing none of the coverts,
we often ran straight across Dartmoor, where
the scent was so good, that the pace at which
we were followed by the hounds made it often
most severe work for us; and it became almost
a relief to be taken up and replaced in the
bag, which was carried for that purpose, and
reconveyed to’ our gloomy prison, where we
were well supplied with rabbits and other food.

‘s The various habits of our race were most
apparent. Some would keep quiet in their
kennels, which were holes made by them
in the ground, or where loose stones had
been removed from the bottom of the wall
which surrounded our prison, watching what
was going on; whilst others were constantly
moving about, as if in search of some outlet
for escape. One, whose activity’ was extra-
ordinary, had chosen for his place of rest a
hole in the wall, being the opening intended
for a window, which had been stopped up on
the outside. It was full eight feet from the

ground, and it was surprising, even to us, to