38 
Quadrupeds. 
hiding places, which he visits when hungry. He will 
continue his depredations till day-break, or until he is 
alarmed, often depopulating a whole poultry-yard in one 
night. When, however, his choice food, the chicken, is 
not accessible, he devours animal food of every descrip- 
tion ; and if his habitation be near the water he will even 
content himself with shell-fish. In France and Italy he 
does much damage to the vineyards, being very fond 
of grapes, and spoiling many for the sake of one bunch. 
His name has passed into a proverb for cunning and 
deceitfulness ; and, unlike the dog tribe to which he 
belongs, he is totally unsusceptible of any sentiment of 
gratitude. 
His bite is tenacious and dangerous, as the severest 
blows cannot make him quit his hold; his eye is most 
significant, and expressive of almost every passion. He 
generally lives about twelve or fifteen years. 
The female produces but once a year, and seldom has 
more than four or five cubs at a litter. The first year 
the young is called a Cub, the second year a Fox, and the 
third year an Old Fox. The tail is very bushy, and is 
called the brush. 
In this country he is hunted with horses and hounds, 
and no animal affords greater diversion and occupation to 
the sportsman. When pursued he usually makes for his 
hole ; but should his retreat be cut off, his stratagems and 
shifts to escape are singularly acute. He seeks woody 
o^-^> 
