50 ANIMALS OF THE 



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 contend 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 

 reflexion on the futility 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 unavail- 

 ing shifts of the hare ; but flies in a direct line 

 before the hounds, though at no very great dis- 

 tance ; manages his strength j takes to the low 

 and plashy grounds, where the scent will be less 

 apt to lie j 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 na- 

 ture, refusing to engender with it ; and though 

 not testifying the antipathy of the wolf, yet dis- 

 covering nothing more than indifference. This 

 animal also brings forth fewer at a time than the 



