260 
FOX. 
or at least to supply the defects of description by 
examining the difference in a print. 
The fox is of a slenderer make than the wolf* 
and not near so large ; for as the former is above 
three feet and a half long, so the other is not above 
two feet three inches. The tail of the fox also 
is longer in proportion, and more bushy ; its nose 
is smaller, approaching more nearly to that of the 
grey-hound, and its hair softer. On the other 
hand, it differs from the dog in having eyes ob- 
liquely situated, like those of the wolf ; its ears 
are directed also in the same manner as those of 
the wolf, and its head is equally large in propor- 
tion to its size. It differs still more from the dog 
in its strong offensive smell, which is peculiar to 
the species, and often the cause of their death. 
However, some are ignorantly of opinion that it 
will keep off infectious diseases, and they preserve 
this animal near their habitations for that very 
purpose. 
The fox] has since the beginning been famous 
for his cunning and his arts, and he partly merits 
his reputation. Without attempting to oppose 
either the dogs or the shepherds, without attack- 
ing the flock, or alarming the village, he finds an 
easier way to subsist, and gains by his address 
what is denied to his strength or courage. Pa- 
tient and prudent, lie waits the opportunity of 
depredation, and varies his conduct with every 
occasion. His whole study is his preservation ; 
although nearly as indefatigable, and actually more 
swift than the wolf, he doe? wot entirely trust to 
either, but makes himself an asylum, to which 
he retires in case of necessity-; where be shelters 
himself from danger, and brings up his young. 
As among men, those who lead a domestic life 
are more civilized and more endued with wisdon^ 
’ than those who wander from place to place ; so. 
