6o FOX. ClafsL 



It is a great admirer of its bufhy tail, with which 

 it frequently amufes and exercifes itfelf by running 

 in circles to catch it : and in cold weather wraps it 

 roand its nofe. 



The fmell of this animal in general is very ftrong, 

 but that of the urine is mofr remarkably fstid. 

 This feems fo offenfive even to itfelf, that it will take 

 the tr-ouble of digging a hole in the ground, flretching 

 its body at full length over it, and there, after de- 

 pofiting its water, cover it over with the earth, as the 

 cat does its dung. The fmell is fo ofFenfive, that it 

 has often proved the means of the fox's efcape from 

 the dogs, who have fo ftrong an averfion to the filthy 

 effluvia, as to avoid encountring the animal it came 

 from. It is laid that the fox makes ufe of its urine 

 as an expedient to force the cleanly badger from its 

 habitation : whether that is the means is rather 

 doubtful ; but that the fox makes ufe of the badger's 

 hole is certain : not through want of ability to form 

 its own retreat ; but to fave itfelf fome trouble : for 

 after the expulfion of the firft inhabitant, the fox im- 

 proves, as well as enlarges it confiderably, adding 

 feveral chambers ; and providently making feveral 

 entrances to fecure a retreat from every quarter. In 

 warm weather it will quit its habitation for the fake 

 of balking in the fun, or to enjoy the frefn air ; but 

 then it rarely lies expofed, but chufes fome thick 

 brake, and generally of gorfe, that it may reft fecure 

 from lurprize. Crov/s, magpies, and other birds, 

 who confider the fox as their common enemy, will 

 often, by their notes of anger, point out its retreat. 



This animal is common in all parts of Greai Bri- 



tain^ 



