38 Quadrupeds. 



hiding places, which he visits when hungry. He will 

 continue his depredations till day-break, or until he is 

 alarmed, often depopulating a whole poultry-yard in one 

 night. When, however, his choice food, the chicken, is 

 not accessible', he devours animal food of every descrip- 

 tion ; and if his habitation be near the water he will even 

 content himself with shell-fish. In France and Italy he 

 does much damage to the vineyards, being very fond 

 of grapes, and spoiling many for the sake of one bunch. 



His name has passed into a proverb for cunning and 

 deceitfulness ; and, unlike the dog tribe to which he 

 belongs, he is totally unsusceptible of any sentiment of 

 gratitude. 



His bite is tenacious and dangerous, as the severest 

 blows cannot make him quit his hold; his eye is most 

 significant, and expressive of almost every passion. He 

 generally lives about twelve or fifteen years. 



The female produces but once a year, and seldom has 

 more than four or five cubs at a litter. The first year 

 the young is called a Cub, the second year a Fox, and the 

 third year an Old Fox. The tail is very bushy, and is 

 called the brush. 



In this country he is hunted with horses and hounds, 

 and no animal affords greater diversion and occupation to 

 the sportsman. When pursued he usually makes for his 

 hole ; but should his retreat be cut off, his stratagems and 

 shifts to escape are singularly acute. He seeks woody 



