74 FOX. Class I. 



after depofiting Its water, cover it over with the 

 earth, as the cat does its dung. The fmell is fo 

 offenfive, that it has often proved the means of the 

 fox's efcape from the dogs, who have fo ftrong an 

 averfion to the filthy effluvia^ as to avoid encount- 

 ering the animal it came from. It is faid that the 

 fox makes ufe of its urine as an expedient to force 

 the cleanly badger from its habitation : whether that 

 is the means is rather doubtful •, but that the fox 

 makes ufe of the badger's hole is certain: not 

 through want of ability to form its own retreat ; but 

 to fave itfelf fome trouble : for after the expulfion 

 of the firft inhabitant, the fox improves, as well as 

 enlarges it confiderably, adding feveral chambers ; 

 and providently making feveral entrances to fecure 

 a retreat from every quarter. In warm weather it 

 will quit its habitation for the fake of bafking ii 

 the fun, or to enjoy the frefh air; but then it rarely 

 lies expofed, but chufes fome thick brake, and 

 generally of gorfe, that it may reft fecure from 

 furprize. Crows, magpies, and other birds, who 

 confider the fox as their common enemy, will oft- 

 en, by their notes of anger, point out its retreat. 



This animal is common in all parts of Great 

 Britain^ and fo well known as not to require a de- 

 fcription. The fkin is furniflied with a foft and 

 warm fur, which in many parts oi Europe is ufed 

 to make muffs and line cloaths. Vaft numbers are 

 taken in Le Valiais, and the Jlpine parts of Swit- 

 zcrland. At Laufanne there are furriers who are 



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