242 



THE FOX. 



the wolf in these realms. In fact, he may now 

 be styled the last remaining beast of prey amongst 

 us. Although possessing no amiability of disposi- 

 tion, nor of a nature to mix in company with 

 other animals, — such, for example, as the hare and 

 the deer, during the time that the sun is above the 

 horizon ; still, the fox runs no risk of being 

 exterminated, so long as our rising generation is 

 fond of rural sports. We may say of it, what the 

 Prince in days of old, said of Jack Falstaff, we 

 can " better spare a better man/' We can better 

 tolerate the annual loss of game and poultry, than 

 send the perpetrator into everlasting exile. 



With occasional reprimands from shepherds, 

 farmers, and pheasant-fanciers, I trust that Reynard 

 will always be a cherished, valuable and interesting 

 little fellow, with English country gentlemen ; and 

 that he will ever command their patronage; and be 

 the theme of convivial conversation at the festive 

 board, for generations yet to come, when the hand 

 which is writing this, shall hold the pen no longer. 



Yes: — although it will inevitably be Reynard's 

 fate to find protection to-day, — persecution to- 

 morrow; — now, hated by henwives; — now, cursed 

 by gamekeepers, his family will always manage 

 to keep its ground; unless more railways, tram- 

 roads, long chimneys, soaperies and vitriol works, 



