136 COMMON FOX. 



The history of the Fox is better known than that 

 of many of our wild quadrupeds. It resides in bur- 

 rows, which it excavates for itself in sandy or gra- 

 velly soil, in woods or thickets, or on shady banks, 

 or the slopes of hills, remaining concealed all day, 

 and coming abroad towards evening. Its food con- 

 sists chiefly of the flesh of quadrupeds, birds, and 

 reptiles. In the wilder parts it often destroys 

 lambs, and in the more populous, frequently com- 

 mits great havoc among poultry ; but its favourite 

 game is partridges, grouse, rabbits, and leverets. 

 Insects and worms have also been found in its stc- 

 mach, and in the maritime districts it has been 

 known to frequent the shores in quest of crusta- 

 ceous and molluscous animals. 



It lives in pairs, and the young, from three to 

 five in number, are born towards the end of spring. 

 The female exhibits great courage and address in 

 defending them. The sagacity of the Fox is pro- 

 verbial, and frequently enables it to escape the 

 snares laid for it. Marvellous stories are related 

 respecting the stratagems which it employs to elude 

 pursuit ; and although many of these may be ex-* 

 aggerated, there can be little doubt that its instinc- 

 tive vigilance and cunning are great. When ob- 

 tained young it may be domesticated so far as to 

 allow a person with whom it is acquainted to handle 

 it, but cannot be depended upon, as it exhibits no 

 gratitude towards benefactors, forms no strong at- 

 tachment, and is ever ready to embrace the oppor- 

 tunity of making its escape. It is said to attain the 



