THE FOX. 



THIS animal is so well known, that to describe its figure 

 might appear superfluous ; we shall therefore only mention 

 some of its most striking habits and manners. It is a 

 crafty, lively, and falacious creature, and exactly resembles 

 the dog in its internal conformation. 'It differs, however, 

 from the dog, in emitting a strong offensive smell, and in 

 many of its leading propensities. 



The artifices of the Fox have, in all ages, been proverbial. 

 An immoderate regard to self-preservation, seems to be ils 

 actuating principle : and it seeks subsistence, rather by fraud 

 and address, than by intrepidity and force. It digs itself 

 an asylum in the earth, ana sallies out at the most favoura- 

 ble opportunities, whether to plunder a hen-house, or to 

 seize unawares any unprotected bird or quadruped that falls 

 in its way ; nothing, in short, comes amiss to it. "When 

 at a loss for other food, it will attack a nest of wasps, or 

 wild bees ; and, in spite of their stings, succeed in carrying 

 off the combs. 



As the fox is inimical to all other animals, so the 

 various tribes of nature seem leagued against him. The 

 dog hunts him with peculiar acrimony ; and even birds 

 seem to take a pleasure in betraying his steps, in exposing 

 him to the hostility of the pack, or announcing his ap- 

 proach to the object of his pursuit. 



There are three varieties of Foxes in this island, differing 

 from each other more in form than in colour, which is 

 mostly a tawny red. The Greyhound Fox is the largest, 

 and is chiefly found in the mountainous parts of England 

 and Scotland. The Mastiff Fox is rather less ; but his 

 limbs are more strongly formed. The Cur Fox is the 

 least, but most common. He lurks about the out-houses 

 of the farmer, and carries off all the poultry within his 

 reach. 



The eye of the Fox is of a lively hazel colour, very 

 significant and expressive. He seems greatly to admire 

 his bush}- tail, and frequently amuses himself by catching 

 it as he runs round. In cold weather, when lying down, 

 he folds it about his head. 



The Fox sleeps sound ; and, like the dog, lies in a 

 round form. 



When he is only reposing himself, he stretches out his 

 hind legs, and lies on his belly, in this position he spies 



