EARTH-STOPPER
—is an indispensible part of a FOX-HUNTING establishment, whose business is principally performed by night. His department is to visit and stop the strongest earths in the district intended to be hunted on the following day. This is usually effected between the hours of ten at night and four in the morning, by means of bushes, brambles, earth, &c. to furnish which, he is provided with a hand-bill, spade, candle and lanthorn, a hardy rough poney, terriers, and of course a pocket pistol, to recruit the spirits amidst the dreary scenes it is become his occupation to explore. It is also his business to re-open the EARTHS after the sport of the day, that the FOXES may not fall victims to other modes of destruction.