THE FOX. 



The fox is well esteemed the most sagacious 

 and crafty of all animals. His subtlety and dis- 

 tinguished characteristics have won him a con- 

 spicuous place in the folk-lore and myths of all 

 nations where he has been known. In this coun- 

 try, especially in the South, his praises are sung 

 both in song and story. In Japan the natives be- 

 lieve him to be animated by the devil himself, 

 and their historical and religious writings are full 

 of strange and weird accounts respecting him. 

 In other lands poets have commemorated his 

 deeds in romance and legend. 



He at all times and under all conditions leads 

 a most strenuous life, and one can not help but 

 admire him for his sagacity, adroitness, and 

 craftiness. In fact, when I see one upon his na- 

 tive heath, I always feel like uncovering to him, 



The fox is proverbial for his cunning and in- 

 genuity in obtaining food and then outwitting 

 and eluding his pursuers. 



His appearance is truly indicative of his char- 

 acter, and he has long been the synonym of cun- 

 ning and slyness. One of his most characteristic 

 traits is the readiness with which he acquaints 

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