Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1906-08-22
LIVELY FOX CHASE
BUSY SECTION OF WASHINGTON
SCENE OF RARE SPORT.
Boys Surround Reynard In Garfield
Park and Fun Begins
The Capture.

Africa has its leopards, Bengal its tigers
and Colorado its bears, but Southeast
Washington has its fox; and its fox hunt
will rival the best which have afforded
sport for presidents and profit for circus
managers. A fox hunt really took place
in Southeast Washington-that thickly pop
ulated section of the city-a fox hunt that
would have. stirred the blood Of Represen-
tative Wadsworth and his followers Of the
Genesee Valley hunt. Monday afternoon
last fox took refuge in Garfield Park,
whose broad greens are bounded by Sd,
South Capitol. F and @ streets southeast,
and the chase which followed was partici-
pated in by large delegations from the
neighborhood round about. and resulted In
the capture alive and unframed, OF that
most cunning of all beasts. William Gray,
living at 3D. South Carolina avenue south
east proved himself to be the swiftest pur-
suer, and he has possession of the animal,
which Is safely penned up in Mr.. Gray 8
back yard; and the police of the fifth pre-
cinct have been notified, with the Idea OF
having it returned to its owner, should he
be found. Otherwise, the fox Is likely 10
remain in captivity in Mr.. Gray's FAMILY
for some time, and its skin may be an or
nament for parlor floor in the family
home in the dim future.
An Impromptu Affair.
ed in the papers; it was altogether an i'm
promptu affair. Early in the afternoon OF
Monday two foxes were discovered, running
down 4th street southeast, by Policeman
Greer of the fifth precinct. He remained
in the background. not being equipped for
large game that day, and the foxes were
allowed to continue down 4th street to
South Carolina avenue. There the pair
separated, one taking it's way down South
Carolina avenue to Garfield Park, the other
continuing down 4th street.
The one which went toward the park
In the street. The cunning animal pricked
up his ears, shifted the ar and tried to
pass the group. But he was discovered,
and from that moment had no peace.
THAT amt no dog" yelled one youth
whose sight was better than his grammar.
ITS a wild cat" hazarded another.
Nav" prompted a third; Its fox.
I've seen EN- in the circus, and they're
awful Wild
The proposition was made to catch it. and
all the boys In the excited crowd were soon
engaged In the chase. There are other boys
In the neighborhood and they soon assem-
bled at the park-impelled by instinct,
doubtless-and were soon in the chase. The
fox was endeavoring to find shelter but
Garfield Park offered none. He dashed into
bushes. leaped over benches and lodged
Long grass was sought by the fleeing ami
NAL In Its effort to hide long enough to get
some rest, but the boys swarmed through
that and the fox continued its weary way.
Some ladies were attracted by the ex-
cltement in the park and went over to in
vestigate. They were told that a real live
fox was loose in the park
"Oh, don't let it come this way!"
screamed one Of the women, and a rustling
of skirts and departure from the vicinity
indicated that the feminine delegation were
no more fond of wild animals than they are
Of a mouse.
Mr.. Gray's Maneuver.
William Gray started from his house to
a store about that time, and he, too, went
to see what had caused the excitement.
Just as he arrived the fox made a quick
turn and started toward a group of the
boys. There was a wild scramble in re-
treat when the CLEAN Of white teeth ap-
peared in the foreground. The boys tum-
bled over each other to get away, their
courage oozing from fingers and toes.
Then the fox leaped into a bush, evil
IDENTIFY thinking 1t would offer a hiding
place, but his feet became entangled in the
many branches. While he was struggling
to free himself Gray made sortie, and,
without firing shot, captured the animal,
fmprisoning it in his arms. The boys, dar-
Ing now to take a close view of the animal
accompanied Mr. Gray to his home No
body knows whence the foxes came but
the unusual incident created good deal of
talk In the vicinity Of the park. 1t is ru-
mored indeed, that some residents hear
ing Of the sport, have donned their hunting
make excursions at intervals through Gar
field Park in search Of further papoo