154 on the fox. Oct. ^, 



cur dog. Its colour, a rufset brown ; the hair never 

 lies sleek to the Ikin. Its eyes are remarkably live- 

 ly and brilliant, and very significant and exprefsive. 

 Its tail is long and bufliy, which it seems greatly 

 to admire, and frequently amuses itself by endeavour- 

 ing to catch it as it runs round. In cold weather, 

 when it lies down, it folds it about its head. 



There are several varieties of foxes in Britain ; but 

 that above described is the most common, and ap- 

 proaches nearest the habitations of mankind. It 

 lurks about the out-houses of the farmer, and carries 

 off all the poultry within its reach. It is remark- 

 ably playful andfamiljar when tamed j but, like. ma- 

 ny wild animals half reclaimed, will, on the least of- 

 fence, bite those it is most familiar with ; and it is 

 always of a thievilh disposition. 



The fox sleeps much during the day ; but during 

 the night it, is active in search of its prey,.vrhich it 

 often obtains hj surprising artifices ; on which ac- 

 count the cunning of the fox has become proverbial ; 

 aiid mimberlefs instances of it are related in all coun- 

 tries. He will eat flefh of any kind, but prefers that 

 of hares, rabbits, poultry, and all kinds of birds. 

 Thosfe that live near the sea coasts will, for want of 

 other food, eat crabs, Ihrimps, muscles, and other 

 fhell filh. They are also fond of grapes, and do great 

 liamage in vineyards to which they can have accefs. 



They are so greedy of honey as boldly to attack 

 the wild bees for it ; and frequently rob them of 

 their stores, though much incommoded by the sting- 

 ing of the bees. 



