Fox
Canis vulpes, order Carnivora. The object of Fox-hunting. It is said there were two varieties of fox in this country, the greyhound and the bull-dog; the latter distinguished by its wider head and darker colour; but they have almost disappeared since about 1830, being supplanted by the French fox, which is smaller than either, and of reddish hue.
Full cry. Originally alluding to the chorus of music from the pack, is now understood to mean the hounds going fast on a good scent.
Gone away. - Left the covert.
Gone to ground. Gone to a drain, earth, rabbit-hole, or other shelter underground. Headed.- (Of the fox), made to turn back.
Headed to death. - Killed unfairly, when headed.
Heel. [See SCENT.] Hold hard. The warning to riders not to press too closely on the hounds.
Hold them forrard. To take the hounds on, in search of a lost line.
Holding scent. - [See SCENT.] Hunt foil. Run foil.
Huntsman.The person who hunts the hounds.
The Master (M.F.H.) frequently assumes this office, and then the official who feeds the hounds and sees after them generally in kennel is called the kennel huntsman. The first whipper-in usually discharges this duty.
Kennel.-(1) The fox's lair. (2) The old word used for the hounds; now "Pack," formerly confined to harriers, is often used.
Kennels. The place where the hounds are kept.
Kennel huntsman. - [See HUNTSMAN.] Lift. To take the hounds from a lost scent, with a view to hitting the line further on.
Line hunter. A hound which keeps close to the scent.
Main earth. The fox's own lair and breeding place.
Mask. The fox's head. Also PATE.
Meet. The rendezvous of those about to take part in the chase.
M.F.H.-Master of Fox Hounds.
Mob. To surround and kill a fox, without giving him the chance of a run.
Mute. Silent, the hounds going too fast to speak. Some hounds are naturally mute.
Noisy. Speaking without a scent.
Over it.-[See SCENT.] Owning.-[See SCENT.] Oxer-Ox-fence-Ox-rail. A strong hedge with a wide ditch, and a single rail about one yard in front of it. A double oxer has a rail on each side.