12 FOXES AT HOME. 



about the size of a sixpence, the position of 

 which is usually indicated by a tuft of dark 

 hair. This is the seat of a gland, from which 

 (according to Linnaeus) an ambrosial odour is 

 diffused, probably to counteract the other ! 



While on the subject of scent, perhaps I may 

 be pardoned for a slight digression. How 

 diflficult it is to explain this extraordinary 

 invisible connection between the nose of the 

 hound and the animal he pursues, or to fully 

 comprehend that exquisite sense of smell which 

 enables the one at times to follow the other 

 with a precision as unerring as if in view. 



" Should some more curious sportsman here inquire, 

 Whence this sagacity, this wondrous power 

 Of tracing step by step, or man or brute ? 

 What guide invisible points out their way, 

 O'er the dank marsh, bleak hill, and sandy plain, 

 The courteous muse shall the dark cause reveal. 

 The blood that from the heart incessant rolls 

 In many a crimson tide, then here and there 

 In smaller rills, disparted as it flows. 

 Propelled, the serous particles evade 

 Thro* th' open pores, and with the ambient air 

 Entangling mix, as fuming vapour rise 

 And hang upon the gently purling brook, 

 There by th' incumbent atmosphere compressed. 

 The pandng chase grows warmer as he flies 

 And thro' the network of the skin perspires ; 

 Leaves a long streaming trail behind, which by 



