THE FOX. 



237 



close by. Now, if the simpleton had covered them 

 all over with the soil on the garden-bed, I would 

 have given him credit for superior sagacity. But, 

 he actually left one wing of each bird exposed 

 to view; and it was this exposure which led 

 to their discovery. 



I could not possibly mistake, as to who had been 

 the sexton, for, when I had disinterred them, each 

 bird emitted that odour which a fox alone produces. 

 Thus, whilst I admired the pains which Eeynard 

 had taken in covering up the turkeys, I condemned 

 his folly and want of judgment, in leaving the 

 wing of his murdered prey, exposed to the eyes 

 of the whole world. An ass, in this case, would 

 have shewn just as much talent and cunning as 

 Eeynard himself had exhibited. 



The fox is as shy by his nature as by necessity ; 

 choosing the stillness of the night to work in 

 his nefarious calling. But, on certain estates, 

 where things are kept pretty quiet, he will venture 

 to leave his hiding place, even at noon-day ; and 

 then play the mischief with whatever poultry comes 

 within his reach. 



I once imagined, that I could be able to put 

 bantam fowls upon a footing with the wild phea- 

 sants in the woods. So, when Spring had set in, 

 I turned two pairs of bantams to take their chance 



