Arrant thieves as foxes are, with regard to their domestic virtues Mrs
F--assures me that they eminently shine.
Both parents take the greatest interest in rearing and educating their
offspring. They provide, in their burrow, a comfortable nest, lined
with feathers, for their new-born cubs. Should either parent perceive
in the neighbourhood of their abode the slightest sign of human
approach, they immediately carry their young to a spot of greater
safety, sometimes many miles away. They usually set off in the twilight
of a fine evening. The papa fox having taken a survey all round,
marches first, the young ones march singly, and mamma brings up the
rear. On reaching a wall or bank, papa always mounts first, and looks
carefully around, rearing himself on his haunches to command a wider
view. He then utters a short cry, which the young ones, understanding
as "Come along!" instantly obey. All being safely over, mamma follows,
pausing in her turn on the top of the fence, when she makes a careful
survey, especially rearward. She then gives a responsive cry, answering
to "All right!" and follows the track of the others. Thus the party
proceed on their march, repeating the same precautions at each fresh
barrier.
When peril approaches, the wary old fox instructs his young ones to
escape with turns and doublings on their path, while he himself will
stand still on some brow or knoll, where he can both see and be seen.
Having thus drawn attention to himself, he will take to flight in a
different direction. Occasionally, while the young family are
disporting themselves near their home, if peril approach, the parents
utter a quick, peculiar cry, commanding the young ones to hurry to
earth; knowing that, in case of pursuit, they have neither strength nor
speed to secure their escape. They themselves will then take to flight,
and seek some distant place of security.
The instruction they afford their young is varied. Sometimes the
parents toss bones into the air for the young foxes to catch. If the
little one fails to seize it before it falls to the ground, the parent
will snap at him in reproof. If he catches it cleverly, papa growls his
approval, and tosses it up again. This sport continues for a
considerable time.
As I have said, no other animals so carefully educate their young in the
way they should go, as does the fox. He is a good husband, an excellent
father, capable of friendship, and a very intelligent member of society;
but all the while, it must be confessed, an incorrigible rogue and
thief.
Do not pride yourself on being perfect because you possess some good
qualities. Consider the many bad ones which counteract them, and strive
to overcome those.