MS A Knittel, (You Say, June 11) questions the use of artificial earths in connection with hunting.

This matter is mentioned by Ms Knittel or her colleagues at least three or four times a year.

I trust the following information will provide Ms Knittel and friends with the answers they seem to crave.

First of all, the artificial earth is no dark secret, as so often portrayed. Those that exist are well known about in the countryside. They're there to encourage the fox to live where we'd prefer them to, away from poultry farms and fields used for lambing.

Second, the artificial earth isn't there to breed foxes. Like any wild animal, they'll only rear their young where they choose to.

The building of artificial earths for foxes is fully supported by the League Against Cruel Sports. They have an excellent set of plans and instructions available to the public.

If Ms Knittel has attempted to create a sensation with this revelation of so-called "secret fox breeding bunkers deep in the woods", she has failed.

J WOOD, Worcester.