Flesh-Eating Land Mammals 



of the tail is black in some specimens, but generally 

 speaking this is not the normal colouring. Looked at 

 casually, the Fox is the dog of the woods. If you 

 open its mouth you will find a still closer resemblance 

 to that canine. Its teeth are similar, as also its tongue. 

 In its love for animal food the Fox also resembles the 

 domesticated dog. It loves flesh in almost any form, 

 and when hard pressed by hunger will devour carrion 

 of any kind. In the central counties it is noted for its 

 raids on poultry, while in the hilly sections of the 

 country it vexes flock-masters during the lambing 

 season. Rabbits are, perhaps, the chief source of 

 supply for the Fox's larder, but mice, birds, etc., irre- 

 spective of species, are all welcome when Reynard is 

 rearing a family. There are usually four, five, or six 

 cubs to a litter, and these are born in what is known as 

 an " earth," which, in other words, is simply a burrow 

 in the ground. About the hills or sea-coast not a few 

 of these " earths " are located amongst rocky debris, 

 which goes to form a remarkably secure home for old 

 and young alike. 



Once a cub is on its legs it is a very pretty and 

 interesting creature. Cubs a few weeks old may be 

 seen at the mouth of the " earth " gambolling about 

 and emitting sharp barks after the manner of dog 

 puppies. Even at this early stage they are alert to 

 danger, and on the slightest sign or sound will bolt to 

 earth for shelter. When a few months old they will 

 go afield and hunt the local jungle for small birds that 



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