240 



VERTEBRATA. 



extensive destruction among the several descriptions of game. In those woods where foxes 

 abound to a considerable extent, thej will bo diminish the number of ral>bits that very few can 

 be seen at any time. Becoming under these circumstances extremely scarce, even to the foxes 

 themselves, they are compelled to extend their nightly rambles to a considerable distance from 



home. It' there is a young family to be provided for, they arc often hold and determined in 

 search of, and in seizing their prey. The old fox will then leave the earths early in the after- 

 noon, or just before the sun has reached the west ; and, proceeding very cautiously, will approach 

 the homestead situated nearest the cover, or the dwelling of the woodman. Indeed, they fre- 

 quently visit the farmyard, and seize the first fowl that comes within their reach, especially if 

 they have strayed a little distance from home. Many instances have occurred, where the old 

 farmyard cock, the father of a numerous progeny, after taking Ins many wives over five-barred 



THE FOX AND TUB GOOSE. 



gates, has been seized and borne away into the dense cover, notwithstanding his loud but una- 

 vailing cries, which have sent Ins companions homeward in a tremendous hurry and alarm. 



M Som< years ago, a gentleman bad a remarkably fine game-cock from a very celebrated breed. 

 He was seized in the way just, described ; the alarm was given, a gun was taken, and the trig 

 pulled. The shot took effect, and the thief was [aid prostrate on the ground. The bird, liberated 

 fr«>m hi- grasp, jumped on the body of the fox, clapped bis wings, and crowed right lustily — .•> 

 sufficient proof of his high birth. 



" It is a common opinion that if the parent fox fails to bring home a supply of food, to satisb 

 the cravings of hunger, her own cubs will deprive her of existence. This is somewhat question- 

 able; still, the assertion has been boldly maintained, and its truth is said to have been confirmed 

 For instance, many years ago, a bark-stripper, who was occupied very early in the morning on ' 

 the outside of a very intricate cover, saw an old fox returning home with a fine goose upon her 

 back. The man watched the proceedings. A large hay-stack stood near the wood side, and thi* 

 spot was within a short distauee of the earths, which were found in an extremely 'dense and rocky 



