THE FOX. 



food in hedge bottoms, and in rabbit runs. When 

 rats are to be destroyed, the bait may be thrust 

 deeply into their holes, and very few pieces of it at 

 one time. I am of opinion, that, there are not 

 three distinct species of foxes in Great Britain. 

 Naturalists who have written on the nature and 

 habits of the fox, can produce nothing but a 

 difference in size, to support their argument, that 

 we have more species than one. I consider the 

 difference in size of foxes, to be attributed, either 

 to climate, or to their food ; — or most probably 

 to both. These animals all emit the same offensive 

 odour; — their colour varies occasionally but a 

 trifle; — whilst they have a common tone of voice ; — 

 shew the same propensities ; and exercise the same 

 economy. Depend upon it, there is only one 

 species of fox in our country. 



Thus far, have I introduced to the readers notice, 

 this shy little quadruped, in order to shew his 

 predatory inclinations ; which, although destructive 

 of the farmer's property to a certain extent, may 

 easily be forgiven on account of other qualities, 

 shortly to be exhibited. 



I had almost forgot to remark, that the cubs 

 of foxes are blind for a while after their birth, like 

 the whelps of dogs. 



The fox has survived the bear, the boar and 



T) 



