360 CLASS MAMMALIA. 



examples only shew, that though education may modify, it 

 cannot change the natural character ; and that there are 

 cases in which the latter will completely resist its in- 

 fluence. 



The Foxes are separated by zoologists into a ^distinct 

 group among the Caninae, distinguished by the eye-pupil 

 of an elongated shape. 



The Common Fox is one of those animals whose habitat 

 is most widely extended over the surface of the globe. It is 

 found in all the middle and northern regions of the old and 

 of the new world. The faculty of rapid multiplication and 

 diversified extension, which it possesses in so eminent a 

 degree above the other carnivorous tribes, must in a great 

 measure be attributed to its instinctive choice of such 

 places of concealment as are accessible to none of its ene- 

 mies except man. 



The Fox is not a little particular in the choice of his 

 quarters. When he purposes to establish himself in a 

 neighbourhood, he visits every part of it, fathoms the ex- 

 tent of every excavation, and carefully examines every spot 

 that promises a convenient place of refuge in the hour of 

 danger. As soon as he appropriates an habitation suitable 

 to his wants, he instantly commences to scour the country, 

 reconnoitres every post around, ascertains the resources 

 placed within his power, and the nature and degree of the 

 dangers with which he may be threatened. Constantly 

 under the guidance of the most extreme and cautious pru- 

 dence, and never leaving any thing to the result of chance, 

 he lays himself down with tranquillity to taste the pleasures 

 of repose. A repose thus guarded and secured is the only 

 one that his natural timidity will permit him to enjoy. 

 The excessive suspicion of his character renders every new 

 object a source of distrust and inquietude. He is uneasy 

 until he has discovered what it is, and approaches for the 



