[Illustration:
THE FOX.
]
The Fox is a native of almost every quarter of the globe; and is of so
wild and savage a nature that it is said to be impossible fully to tame
him: when partially so, he is very playful; but will on the least
offence, bite those with whom he is most familiar. He possesses more
cunning than any other beast of prey. This quality he shows in his mode
of providing for himself a place of security, where he retires from
pressing dangers, and brings up his young; and his craftiness is also
discovered by his schemes to catch lambs, geese, hens, and all kinds of
small birds.
When he can conveniently do so, the Fox fixes his abode on the border of
a wood, in the neighbourhood of some farm or village. He listens to the
crowing of the cocks, or the cries of the poultry. He scents them at a
distance; he chooses his time with judgment; and conceals his road, as
well as his design. He slips forward with caution, sometimes even
trailing his body; and seldom misses his booty. If he can leap the wall,
or creep in beneath the gate, he ravages the court-yard, puts all to
death, and retires with his prey. He hunts the young hares in the
plains; and seizes the old ones in their seats. The eye of the Fox is of
a lively hazel colour, and very expressive.
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