THE FOX. 



The Fox affords high entertainment to thofe who are fond of hunting, 

 and the Dogs, from their natural averfion to this animal, prefer the chace of 

 it even to that of the Hare or the Stag. A large kind of Harrier or Hound 

 is generally ufed for this fport, aflifted by Terriers, which, being fmaller, 

 follow the Fox into his kennel, and attack him there. As foon as the 

 Fox finds himfelf purfued, he inftantly makes towards his hole, and 

 penetrating to the bottom of it, lofes for a time the dreadful found of his 

 enemies: but the whole pack foon arriving at the fpot, redouble their cries, 

 and the little Terrier courageoufly ventures in. If the kennel is under a 

 rock or the roots of trees, as is often the cafe, the Fox bids defiance to his 

 enemies, and remains there perfectly fecure, the Terrier being no match for 

 him at the bottom of his den; nor can he be dug out of it by the huntfmen. 

 But the ufual way of hunting the Fox is, to carry him in a bag to fome open 

 country, and then turn him loofe in light of the Hounds ; the fcene which 

 follows is too well known to need explanation. When all retreat to his 

 kennel is cut off, his Uratagems and mifts to efcape are as furpriling as they 

 are various. He always takes to the moll woody parts of the country, and 

 prefers the paths which are moft embarrafTed with thorns and briars. He 

 runs in a direct line before the Hounds, and at no very great diftance from 

 them; and, if hard pufhed, feeks out the low, wet grounds, where the fcent 

 will be lefs apt to lie; being at laffc overtaken, he becomes obftinately 

 defperate, and defends his life in lilence to the laft gafp. 



Of all the wild animals, the Fox is the moil fubject to variety from the 

 influence of climate. It is well known that the generality of Foxes in 

 England are red ; there are, however, three varieties found in Great Britain, 

 which differ rather in fize than colour. The Greyhound Fox is the largeft, 

 talleft, and bolder!, and will attack a grown Sheep. The Maftiff Fox is lefs, 

 but ftronger. The Cur Fox is the leafl and mofl common, and does the 

 greater!, mifchief to the hufbandman and farmer. This kind is more 

 univerfally diffufed than any other, being found in Europe and the temperate 

 parts of Alia and America, but rarely in Africa. In the cold regions, 

 towards the pole, Foxes are found of various beautiful colours, and their fur 



