SEnine Connoisseur Fox


Not for the first time, Herbaceous is at loggerheads with the area’s four legged foes.


Among the several apple varieties maturing on his plot, he was most eagerly awaiting the harvest of a very juicy looking Blenheim Orange tree, undoubtedly the pick of the crop.


But he wasn’t the only one. At the operative moment, a member of the resident fox population hoovered up every single fruit on the bush, numbering about 22 at Herbs’ count.


last


Most galling was the fact that this vulpine gourmet had sampled a number of the varieties on offer before settling on the Blenheim, his palate apparently operating on a similar wavelength to the Old Man’s.


Taking the hint, Her baceous stripped the remaining bushes and ranged them out on a table in his potting shed, out of harm’s way.


But no. Next morning, he found the door opened and a scattering of fruit on his lawn, one bite mark taken out of each, the pale fruit decaying in the cool air. Perhaps the fox was continuing to search for the elusive Blenheim, only to be disappointed.


This is behaviour he remembers from his countryside youth, where a fox’s habit was to kill every chicken in the coop, hungry or not.


Herbaceous is aware that there is more than one school of thought on this urban pest, sorry, pet and will therefore tread carefully. His theory is that the fox takes every chicken through instinct, storing away as much food as possible for a rainy day.


Perhaps some nearby plotholder will find a cache of 21 succulent Blenheims hidden behind a plant pot, in storage for the long cold winter.


Either way, quick work was made of a pheasant which happened to stray from its countryside haunts and sought refuge amongst the over-wintering brussels sprouts and cabbages.


Sensing there was little to be done about this plunder, it only remained to leave a bottle of calvados, rasher of bacon, pot of cream and a cookbook opened at the appropriate page. A touch of Faisan Normand perhaps, M. Reynard? After you…


HERBACEOUS


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