[To . the Editor of the SPECTATOR.] Stit,--:Every humane person must
Welcome. the campaign against the " digging out " of hunted foxes.
In my youth I hunted a good deal, but until I was out with hounds in the New Forest, not long ago, I had never seen a fox " dug out." A more cruel, degrading, and unsportsmanlike spectacle I never witnessed.
The poor wretch was dragged out of a drain half alive; after being worried by spades and a terrier, add thrown. to the hounds. There is much specious argument about the need
for " blooding " the hounds, and for killing foxes, but hounds can always be taken off to find another fox, and the number of foxes can always be kept down if required.
Surely a hunted animal should not be deprived of the means of escape ? To do so seems to be not " playing the game " fairly. Where a fox goes to ground should be regarded as his sanctuary.—I am, Sir, &c.,
J. A. HELPS.
10 Harcourt Terrace, London, S.W.1.
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