L 9 ] 
foxes in fnares (which were probably therefore full 
grown), and kept them a confiderable time with 
• dogs of different fexes. 
After this, he fays [e], it is evident from thefe ex- 
periments, that wolves, foxes, and dogs are fpeci- 
£cally different, without diftinguifhing between the 
foxes being full grown when caught, and the wolf 
-which was only three months old. 
But the decifive argument againft Monf. de Buf- 
fon’s experiment not being fatisfaftory, is to be found 
in Mr. Pennant’s Synopfis of quadrupeds, p. 144: 
where he informs us, that a breed was actually pro- 
cured between a dog and a wolf at Mr. Brooks’s 
(animal merchant) in Holborn. 
Monf. de Buffon alio fuppofes that the Rabbit is 
much more fagacious than the Hare, becaufe, both 
having equal powers of burrowing, the one thus 
fecures himfelf from mod: enemies, whilfl the other, 
by not taking the fame precaution, continues liable 
'to their attacks. 
There are, however, feveral caufes for the Rab- 
bit’s burrowing, and the Hare’s neglecting to do fo. 
In the firft place, the fore-legs of a Rabbit are 
fhorter in proportion to its hind legs, and at the 
fame time much flronger ; the claws are aifo longer 
and fharper, refembling much thofe of a mole. 
I have before obferved that the Rabbits, which 
the fportfmen call Hedge Rabbits, feldom burrow ; 
and they negledt taking this trouble, for the fame 
ceafon that induces the Hare to trufl to her form, be- 
I>] Hift. Nat. T. v. p,. 213. 
Vol. LXII. C eaufe 
