FOX. 
269 
boldly ventures in. It often happens that the 
kennel is made under a rock, or among the roots 
of old trees ; and in such cases the fox cannot be 
dug out, nor is the terrier able to contend with 
him at the bottom of his hole. By this contri 
vance he continues secure ; but when he can be 
dug out, the usual way is to carry him in a bag 
to some open country, and there set him loose 
before the hounds. The hounds and the men 
follow, barking and shouting wherever he runs ; 
and the body being strongly employed, the mind 
has not time to make any reflection on the futility 
of the pursuit. What adds to this entertainment 
is the strong scent which the fox leaves, that al- 
ways keeps up a full cry : although his scent 
is stronger than that of the hare, it is much sooner 
evaporated. His shifts to escape when all retreat 
is cut off to his kennel, are various and sur- 
prising. He always chooses the most woody coun- 
try, and takes those paths that are most embar- 
rassed with thorns and briers. He does not dou- 
ble, nor use the unavailing shifts of the hare : 
but flies in a direct line before the hounds, though 
at no very great distance ; manages his strength ; 
takes to the low and plashy grounds, where the 
scent will be less apt to lie ; and at last, when 
overtaken, he defends himself with desperate 
obstinacy, and fights in silence to the very last 
gasp. 
The fox, though resembling the dog in many 
respects, is nevertheless very distinct in his nature, 
refusing to engender with it ; and though not 
testifying the antipathy of the wolf, yet discover- 
ing nothing more than indifference. This animal 
also brings forth fewer at a time than the dog, 
and that but once a year. Its litter is generally 
from four to six, and seldom less than three. 
The female goes with young about six weeks. 
