XVIII 

 THE FOX AND HIS WAYS 



BREEDING SEASON FIRST LESSONS IN CRAFT CUNNING WHAT 



THE EARTH-STOPPER SAYS WHAT THE FARMER 



AND HIS WIFE SAY 



[HE fox's mating season in America varies 

 somewhat according to latitude. January is 

 in most regions the month for courting. In 

 these days the dog-foxes travel great distances 

 with a view to finding a vixen in every way worthy to 

 become the mother of the most crafty foxes that ever lived. 

 The general belle and favourite, no doubt, is she who has 

 the best record for fooling the hounds. The most success- 

 ful chicken-thief comes next, perhaps, in popularity. 



Simpson, the earth-stopper, says the cry of the vixen at 

 this season is something to make even " an old stager like 

 me creep all over, so weird and human-like is the sound." 

 It is sure to remind Simpson, as does everything else you 

 may mention, of the battle of Gettysburg. 



The vixen is with cub only nine weeks, and has but 

 one litter a year. About the first of April there is many a 

 happy fox-mother. April Fools' Day is the appropriate 

 day when cubs are apt to come into the world, which 



199 



