THE FOX. 



THE FOX is an inhabitant of almost every temperate 

 country on the face of the earth. His eye is remark- 

 able for its brilliancy and expression ; his colour is more 

 or less red, and the end of his tail is white. He is not 

 a little particular in the choice of his quarters, though 

 his race is spread from Sweden to Egypt. When he 

 purposes to settle in any spot, he narrowly examines the 

 neighbourhood, fathoms the depth of every hole, and 

 looks out for a convenient refuge in the hour of danger. 

 Naturally timid, and always guided by great caution, he 

 only lays himself down tranquilly to enjoy repose after 

 every provision has been made for his safety. 



The fox passes the day at the bottom of his hiding- 

 place, and sallies forth in search of prey generally during 

 the obscurity of twilight, and the darkness of night. 

 Guided as certainly by smell as by sight, he glides along 

 the trenches of the field to surprise the partridge on her 

 nest, or the hare in her form. Sometimes he will lie 



