200 THE FOX. 



fox ; and the third an old fox ; his tail is called the brush or 

 drag. He is usually pursued by a large kind of harrier or 

 hound, assisted by terriers, or a smaller breed, that follow him 

 into his kennel, and attack him there. The instant he per- 

 ceives himself pursued, he makes to his kennel, and takes 

 refuge at the bottom of it, where for a while he loses the cry 

 of his enemies ; but the whole pack coming to the mouth, 

 redouble their vehemence and rage, and the little terriei 

 boldly ventures in. It often happens that the kennel is made 

 under a rock, or among the roots of old trees : and in such 

 cases the fox cannot be dug out, nor is the terrier able to con- 

 tend with him at the bottom of his hole. By this contrivance 

 he continues secure ; but when he can be dug out, the usual 

 way is to carry him in a bag to some open country, and there 

 set him loose before the hounds. The hounds and the men 

 follow, barking and shouting wherever he runs ; and the body 

 being strongly employed, the mind has not time to make any 

 reflection on the utility of the pursuit. What adds to this 

 entertainment is the strong scent which the fox leaves, that 

 always keeps up a full cry ; although as his scent is stronger 

 .than that of the hare, it is much sooner evaporated. His 

 shifts to escape when all retreat is cut off to his kennel, are 

 various and surprising. He always chooses the most woody 

 country, and takes those paths that are most embarrassed 

 with thorns and briars. He does not double, nor use the un- 

 availing shifts of the hare ; but flies in a direct line before 

 the hounds, though at no very great distance ; manages his 

 strength ; takes to the low and plashy grounds, where the 

 scent will be less apt to lie ; and at last, when overtaken, he 

 defends himself with desperate obstinacy, and fights in silence 

 to the very last gasp. 



The fox, though resembling the dog in many respects, is 

 nevertheless very distinct in his nature, refusing to engender 

 with it ; and though not testifying the antipathy of the wolf, 

 yet discovering nothing more than indifference. This animal 

 also brings forth fewer at a time than the dog, and that but 

 once a year, lis litter is generally from four to six, and sel- 



