The Noble Sport of Fox Tossing,Popular during the 17th century, fox tossing is one of those bizarre

The Noble Sport of Fox Tossing,Popular during the 17th century, fox tossing is one of those bizarre cultural things that people of the modern age could not possibly understand.  Fox tossing usually took place in a specially made court with players spaced out in rows and columns.  Two players would work as a team, standing about 7 feet away from each other while holding a large sling. It was not uncommon for players to dress in costume as Greek or Roman mythological figures. Then dozens or scores of foxes would be herded into the court.  As a fox crossed over a sling, the players would simultaneously pull on both ends of the sling, thus propelling the fox into the air as if being shot by a slingshot.  Those who slung a fox the highest, or slung the most foxes would win.As ridiculous as such a thing may sound, unfortunately fox tossing was often fatal for the animals, many of which could be propelled over 30 feet into the air if done by skilled slingers.  The game could also be dangerous for the participants, as frightened, angry, or rabid foxes may attack the players.  While foxes were the most popular, other animals could be used.  For example in a contest held at Dresden at the behest of Augustus II Elector of Saxony, King of Poland, 647 foxes, 533 hares, 34 badgers, and 21 wildcats were tossed.  In another tournament held in 1648, 34 boars and 3 wolves were driven into the enclosure.Fox tossing continued in popularity until around the early 18th century, and had died out by the middle of the century. -- source link

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