THE FOX. 



LOOK at this cunning fellow making ready to spring 

 among the chickens. The Fox is a persecuted animal, be- 

 cause the appetite which nature has implanted within him 

 interferes w r ith the same appetite in mankind. He is called 

 cruel because he kills chickens, geese, &c., and \\e always 

 find that those who condemn him most are always ready 

 to do the same thing when their inclination prompts, and 

 often in a more cruel way than he. They prey by night, 

 and notwithstanding the persecution they suffer, their ex- 

 treme cunning enables them to preserve their race. They 

 are very distrustful, and not easily deceived by snares that 

 may be laid for them. They prey upon rabbits, birds, and 

 other small animals, and sometimes venture near the farm- 

 yard, carry off the poultry, and, it is said, suck the eggs. 

 The voice of the Fox is various ; he yelps, barks, and ex- 

 presses discontent, sorrow, or pain by different tones. His 

 bite is dangerous, and he will not easily forego his hold. 

 There are many varieties of this quadruped, owing to the 

 influence of climate, for they are widely distributed through- 

 out the temperate and northern regions of both continents. 

 The principal species are the Arctic Fox, inhabiting the 

 Arctic regions of both continents ; the common Red Fox 

 of both continents ; the American Red Fox ; the Silver 

 Fox of America and Asia ; Gray Fox ; Cross Fox ; and 



