124 THE COMMON FOX. 



request. It is now on the decline; and, in the 

 course of another century, will probably be ex- 

 tinct in Great Britain. These animals still continue 

 to be used in most countries of the continent. 



THE COMMON FOX*. 



TODD. 



THE den of the Fox is generally formed either 

 under the surface of the ground", or in some deep 

 crevice of a rock. The situation which the animal 

 seems to prefer to all others, is a dry cover, well 

 sheltered with furze or brushwood, on the sunny 

 side of a hill. It is said, that, by adopting a filthy 

 expedient, he sometimes drives the cleanly Badger 

 from his den; and that, after enlarging it within, 

 and adding the necessary outlets, to allow of escape 

 in cases of attack or danger, he appropriates it to 

 his own use. 



This animal sleeps much during the day; and his 

 repose is generally so sound that he may be ap- 

 proached without being awakened. The night is 



* Cants vulpes. Linn&us. LeRenard. Buffon. 

 See the Synopsis, p. 22, No. 10. 



his 



