

Wim''^' 



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-^v 



AMERICAN YO\.— Vi'Iprs fulw^. 



The American Red Fox derives its name from tlie riultly tinge of its fur. 



This animal has its full share of the crafty spirit which is so notable in the 

 nature of all Foxes. One of them, on whose track the hoimds had been often 

 laid, used always to baffle them at one particular point, the crest of a rather 

 steep hill. Up to this spot the scent was perfectly good ; but at that particular 

 spot the scent vanished, and so the Fox was lost. One of the disappointed 

 hunters was so indignant at his repeated failures, that he determined to lay aside 

 the chase for a day, and to devote himself to the discovery of the means by 

 which the creature could so invariably escape from the hounds and men. He 

 therefore concealed himself near the charmed spot, and watched with uiuch 

 interest the proceedings of the hunted animal. 



The Fox, after being driven from his cover, led the hounds a long chase 

 through woods, ponds, and thiclvcls, and at last came at full sj)C('d towards the 

 crest of the hill. As soon as he had reached the spot, he laid himself down and 

 pressed himself as closely as possible to the ground. Presently the hounds came 

 along in full cry, dashing over the hill in hot pursuit, and never stop])ing until 

 they reached the bottom of the hill. As soon as the last hound had ])asse(l, the 

 Fox resumed his legs, crept quietly over the brow of the hill, and returned to 

 his covert at leisure. 



