90 THE FOX. 



more swift than the wolf, he does not entirely depend 

 on either industry or speed, but forms in the earth a 

 secure asylum, to which he retires in time of distress. 

 This animal generally contrives to make his kennel at 

 the edge of a wood, yet as near as possible to some 

 neighbouring cottage, that he may hear the crowing 

 of the cock, and cackling of the hens, to which he is 

 a most inveterate foe : upon his entrance into the farm- 

 yard he begins levelling -all the poultry without re- 

 morse, and then deliberately takes away his spoil, which 

 he carefully conceals in different places. Young hares 

 and rabbits likewise become his prey ; and partridges 

 or quails, that are nurturing their young, he leaps 

 upon, and catches by surprise : in short, nothing that 

 can be eaten comes amiss to this invader. The hedge- 

 hog in vain rolls himself up into a ball, for this deter- 

 mined glutton teazes it until it is obliged to appear un- 

 covered, and then satiates himself with the spoil. 



The chase of the fox requires less preparation than 

 that of the wolf, and is much more pleasant and 

 amusing ; for the dogs are eager in the pursuit of the 

 former, though they appear to have a natural repug- 

 nance to the latter. The moment the animal finds it- 

 self pursued, he flies to his kennel for refuge and pro- 

 tection, when one of the little harriers follow and drive 

 him to the mouth of the hole ; he is then caught, put 

 into a bag, and carried to some open part of the coun- 

 try, where he is let loose before the hounds. 



Though the fox * is such a greedy and voracious ani- 

 mal, it is remarkable for its fondness and attachment 



* The female goes six weeks witli young, and brings forth from three 

 to six at a time ; the cubs are born blind, and live from twelve to four- 

 teen years. 



