198 9 THE FOX. 



size. It differs still more from the dog in its strong offensive 

 smell, which is peculiar to the species, and often the cause of 

 their death. However, some are ignorantly of opinion that it 

 will keep off infectious diseases, and they preserve this animal 

 near their habitations for that very purpose. 



The fox has since the beginning been famous for his cun- 

 ning and his arts, and he partly merits his reputation. 

 Without attempting to oppose either the dogs or the shep- 

 herds, without attacking the flock, or alarming the village, 

 he finds an easier way to subsist, and gains by his address 

 what is denied to his strength or courage. Patient and pru- 

 dent, he waits the opportunity of depredation, and varies his 

 conduct with every occasion. His whole study is his preser- 

 vation ; although nearly as indefatigable, and actually more 

 swift than the wolf, he does not entirely trust to either, but 

 makes himself an asylum, to which he retires in case of 

 necessity : where he shelters himself from danger, and brings 

 up his young. 



As among men, those who lead a domestic life are more 

 civilized and more endued with wisdom than those who wan- 

 der from place to place ; so, in the inferior ranks of animated 

 nature, the taking possession of a home supposes a degree of 

 instinct which others are without. The choice of the situa- 

 tion for this domicil, the art of making it convenient, of hiding 

 its entrance, and securing it against more powerful animals, 

 are all so many marks of superior skill and industry. The 

 fox is furnished with both, and turns them to his advantage. 

 He generally keeps his kennel at the edge of the wood, and 

 yet within an easy journey of some neighboring cottage. 

 From thence he listens to the crowing of the cock, and the 

 cackling of the domestic fowls. He scents them at a distance ; 

 he seizes his opportunity, conceals his approaches, creeps slily 

 along, makes the attack, and seldom returns without his 

 booty. If he be able to get into the yard, he begins by level- 

 ling all the poultry without remorse, and carrying off a part 

 of the spoil, hides it at some convenient distance, and again 

 returns to the charge. Taking off another fowl in the same 



