392 MAMMALIA. 



the proprietor ; in the second, it pollutes with its urine the den, 

 and in this way drives out the legitimate owner. 



Its dwelling it divides into three parts : the first is the place 

 from whence it examines the neighboiirhood before coming out, 

 and from where it watches for a favourable moment to escape its 

 persecutors, when a fatiguing jDursuit has driven it to seek an 

 asylum in its retreat. Then comes the store-room, a place with 

 several outlets, where the provisions are stored away. Lastly, 

 behind the store-room, quite at the bottom of the burrow, is the 

 den, the sleeping chamber and real habitation of the animal. 

 There it brings forth and suckles its young, and there the female 

 takes refuge in great emergencies. The Fox seldom regularly 

 inhabits its burrow, except when rearing j'oung. After that 

 period it generally sleeps in a cover, near a spot where it thinks 

 plunder is to be had, sometimes at a distance of two or three 

 leagxies from its earth. 



In the .Fox maternal instinct is highly develoj)ed. It watches 

 its cubs with solicitude, provides for their wants, and courageously 

 defends them against their enemies. A litter is composed of from 

 three to five young, which are born about the month of April. 

 The male and female live together until their progeny is reared ; 

 after which they separate. The duration of a Fox's existence is 

 from thirteen to fourteen years. 



The serious depredations committed by this animal have caused 

 it to be classed among the most obnoxious, and for this reason, 

 in nearly all countries, Man adopts every means to accomplish its 

 destruction. 



The wealthier classes of the English people are devoted to Fox- 

 hunting, and expend large sums to support kennels of Fox- 

 Hounds. This example has not gained much popularity in 

 France. 



To enjoy successfully this sport, care must be taken the evening 

 preceding the chase to close up all burrows in the neighbourhood, 

 and thus cut the animal off from taking refuge in them, which 

 it is sure to attemjDt when it finds itself hard pressed. This pre- 

 caution taken. Master Reynard is almost certainly doomed, for he 

 leaves after him so powerful a scent that the hounds with facility 

 follow his track. So full of devices to destroy the life of others, 

 he scarcely manifests any to save his own, but confines himself 



