CAPTURE OF ANIMALS. 33 



Fox is a hybrid between the Red and the Black. It seems, 

 however, to be a permanent variety. 



The Fox belongs to the dog or wolf family, and is carnivo- 

 rous in its habits. The different species closely resemble each 

 other in size, form, habits, and mode of capture. They differ 

 mainly in the color and quality of their fur, which varies, in 

 consequence of difference in species and in climate, from the 

 coarsest dog fur to the finest sable. The American Red Fox 

 is the most common in this country, and in many parts of the 

 United States is considei'ed one of the worst robbers of the 

 farmer's sheep-fold and hen-roost. The Red Fox of Europe, 

 though closely resembling the American, is a different species. 



Foxes feed on grouse, small birds, hares, rabbits, squirrels, 

 muskrats, mice, fish, eggs ; and some of them are remarkably 

 fond of grapes, strawberries, and other ripe fruits. When 

 pressed with hunger, they accept reptiles and carrion. Their 

 modes of securing their prey are various. They generally 

 seize their victim by creeping stealthily within springing dis 

 tance, and pouncing on it like a cat ; but they frequently pur- 

 sue the rabbit and other game with the " long chase." Their 

 senses of sight, smell, and hearing are very acute, and their 

 speed is great. They are cunning, and their tricks to escape 

 their enemies and secure their pi'ey are very remarkable. 

 The length of the Fox from the nose to the tip of the tail is 

 about three feet, and its weight from fifteen to twenty-five 

 pounds. The tail is large and bushy, and when wet retards 

 their speed in running. Their breeding season is in February 

 or March, and they bring forth from four to nine at a birth. 

 They generally burrow and rear their young in the earth, but 

 sometimes take up their abode in a hollow tree or log, or in a 

 ledge of rocks. 



Some of the most successful methods of catching the Fox 

 are the following : — 



To prevent the smell of iron from alarming the game, the 

 trap should be thoroughly smeared with blood, which can be 

 done by holding it under the neck of some bleeding animal 

 and allowing it to dry. Or, for the same purpose, it may be 

 heated and covered with beeswax, which at the proper tem- 



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