FOX. 317 
vagabond, but lives in a settled domestic state. 
This difference, though it appears even among 
men, has greater effects, and supposes more 
powerful causes, among the inferior animals. The 
single idea of a habitation or settled place of abode, 
the art of making it commodious, and concealing 
the avenues to it, imply a superior degree of senti- 
ment. " 
In clear warm wxather the Fox sometimes 
comes out to bask in the sunshine, lying stretched 
out on some dry place, the stump of a tree, &c. 
&c. At night he commences his depredations, 
prowling about after poultry, small birds, leverets, 
rabbits, &c. &c. He is supposed to make con- 
siderable destruction among field-mice, and it is 
said, that, like the Cat, he plays with them for some 
time before he quite destroys them. He also oc- 
casionally eats frogs, newts, snails, and insects. 
Several kinds of berries and fruit are also an ac- 
ceptable food, and he is particularly fond of 
grapes, and does considerable injury among vine- 
yards. Sometimes he attacks bee-hives, and de- 
vours the honey, in spite of the stings he receives 
from the disturbed swarm. When pressed by ne- 
cessity, he will readily devour carrion, but prefers 
flesh in a rare state. ''J once (says Buffon) sus- 
pended on a tree, at the height of nine feet, some 
meat, bread, and bones. The Foxes had been at 
severe exercise during the night; for, next morn- 
ing, the earth all around was beaten, by their 
jumping, as smooth as a barn floor." 
The Fox attempts his prey by cunning rather 
