144 THE LIFE OF A FOX.

where this occurred, and on whose rabbits I
sometimes subsisted, immediately took measures
to prevent the same calamity from happening
again; and although it was hitherto pronounced
an impossibility, he has, as far as I at present
can judge of it, succeeded. It was managed by
cutting away my narrow track at the edge of
the rock which overhung the river. To do this
required much labour and risk; but it was
effected by suspending a ladder, which was
fastened by strong ropes to stakes driven in the
ground some distance above. I need not say
that I watched the work with no great satisfac-
tion; and as I saw the foundation of my once
favorite track fall into the river below, when they
gradually broke it away, it made my heart ache.
I felt that I must now either stay and be killed,
or move into another country. I decided on the
latter.

Although I vowed, in an. hour of distress,
when first hunted by the hounds there, never to
run the risk of them again if I escaped, | re-
crossed the Tweed into England, and have taken