NATURAL HISTORY. 63 



VULPES. (Lat. a Fox,) 



Vul^aris (Lat. common), the Fox. 



This terror of hen-roosts and delight of sportsmen is found 

 in most parts of England, and many other countries. It 

 varies very much in colour and size, according to the country 

 where it lives. 



The habits of this animal are mostly nocturnal. It lies 

 by day concealed in its burrow, if it be fortunate enough to 

 possess one, or in the depths of some thicket, if it is not a 

 householder. Towards evening it sallies out in search of 

 food, and woe to the unfortunate hare, rabbit, pheasant, or 

 fowl that comes in its way ! Reynard does not attempt to 

 chase the hare, for it is too swift for him, or the rabbit, as it 

 would immediately dive into its hole ; nor does he run at 

 the pheasant, which would fly away, and probably only leave 

 a tail feather in the fox's mouth. He knows his business too 

 well. He creeps very quietly and slowly to some place where 

 hares or rabbits are likely to pass, and then springs on them 

 as they run by him. Sometimes he steals into the hen-roost, 

 destroys and carries off most of its inmates, some of which he 

 devours on the spot, others he carries home, and the remainder 

 he buries for a future repast. 



When irritated, the fox gives out a strong disagreeable scent, 



