THE COMMON FOX. 125 



his time for prowling abroad; and from twilight 

 in the evening nearly to the dawn of morning, he 

 is in motion and on watch for prey. Somerville, 

 after describing the extirpation of Wolves from 

 Britain, by the tribute which King Edgar imposed 

 on the Welsh princes, proceeds thus: 



The wily Fox remain'd 

 A subtile, pilfering foe, prowling around 

 In midnight shades ; and wakeful to destroy. 

 In the full fold, the poor defenceless Lamb, 

 Seiz'd by its guileful arts, with sweet warm blood, 

 Supplies a rich repast. 



Foxes will feed on flesh of any kind; but their 

 favourite food is Hares, poultry, feathered game, 

 and particularly Rabbets. They likewise destroy 

 Moles, Rats, and Field-Mice ; and, like the Cat, it 

 is said that they often play with these for a con- 

 siderable while before they put them to death. 

 They are remarkably fond of fruit ; and, in the 

 vineyards on the continent, often do incalculable 

 damage, by feeding on the grapes. The wall-fruit 

 in the Marquis of Buckingham's gardens at Stow, 

 was one summer nearly all destroyed by a Fox, 

 which was at length caught in the garden, in the 

 presence, as I am informed, of the Marquis. When 

 urged by hunger, this animal will feed, and live 

 tolerably well, on carrots and other vegetables; as 

 also on beetles, worms, &c. which in some states 

 of the weather he is able to find in great abundance. 



Foxes 



