356 
FOXES. 
“ They are generally about fifteen inches 
high at the shoulder, but are somewhat long 
in proportion. They have a long pointed 
muzzle, furnished with whiskers, small eyes, 
large ears, and a moderately long tail, co¬ 
vered with hairs, like that of the fox. They 
are light and active, and quite swift of foot. 
Their colours are different shades of reddish 
and buff, mixed with grizzled white or buff 
hairs.” 
“How for foxes'!” said Richard. “They 
are classical animals, as well as dogs and 
wolves.” 
“Yes: they have been celebrated in song 
and story since the days of Esop,” said Miss 
Winston. “ They are frequently mentioned 
in Holy Scripture, and once in a way which 
puts us in mind of the fox who philosophized 
about the inaccessible grapes. The passage 
occurs in Canticles ii. 15 :—‘ Take us the 
foxes, the little foxes that spoil the grapes, 
for our vines have tender grapes.’ ” 
“ I remember that now,” said Annie; 
“ but I have always thought that the fond¬ 
ness of the fox for the grapes was a flight 
of fancy on the part of .Esop.” 
“By no means,” replied Miss Winston. 
