*ox. 317 



vagabond, but lives in a settled domestic state. 

 This difference, though it appears even among 

 men, has greater effects, and supposes more 

 powerful causes, among the inferior animals. The 

 single idea of a habitation or settled place of abode, 

 the art of making it commodious, and concealing 

 the avenues to it, imply a superior degree of senti- 

 ment." 



In clear warm weather the Fox sometimes 

 comes out to bask in the sunshine, lying stretched 

 out on some dry place, the stump of a tree, &c. 

 &c. At night he commences his depredations, 

 prowling about after poultry, small birds, leverets, 

 rabbits, &c. &c. He is supposed to make con- 

 siderable destruction among field-mice, and it is 

 said, that, like the Cat, he plays with them for some 

 time before he quite destroys them. He also oc- 

 casionally eats frogs, newts, snails, and insects. 

 Several kinds of berries and fruit are also an ac- 

 ceptable food, and he is particularly fond of 

 grapes, and does considerable injury among vine- 

 yards. Sometimes he attacks bee-hives, and de- 

 vours the honey, in spite of the stings he receives 

 from the disturbed swarm. When pressed by ne- 

 cessity, he will readily devour carrion, but prefers 

 flesh in a rare state. " I once (says Buffon) sus- 

 pended on a tree, at the height of nine feet, some 

 meat, bread, and bones. The Foxes had been at 

 severe exercise during the night; for, next morn- 

 ing, the earth all around was beaten, by their 

 jumping, as smooth as a barn floor." 



The Fox attempts his prey by cunning rather 



