One of the most frequent tricks of the Fox, and which shows an unusual amount of intelligence, consists in simulating death when surprised by the hunters, and there is no hope of safety by flight. It may then be handled, kicked about in every direction, even lifted by the tail, hung up in the air, or carried thrown over one’s shoulder, without showing the slightest sign of life. But as soon as released, and opportunity for escape offers, it will hurry away to the great amazement of those so cleverly fooled. The Fox most frequently inhabits a burrow or “earth,” which it excavates among stones, rocks, or under the trunk of a tree, at the edge of a wood; at other times it digs its subterraneous retreat on cultivated land; always it is careful to have it on an elevated slope, so as to be protected against rain and inundations. At times it appropriates the burrow of a Rabbit or Badger, and re-arranges it to suit itself. Its dwelling it divides into three parts: The first part is the place from whence it examines the neighborhood before coming out, and from where it watches for a favorable moment to escape its persecutors, when pursuit has driven it home. Then comes the store-room, a place with several outlets, where the provisions are stored away. Lastly, behind the store-room, quite at the bottom of the burrow, is the den, the sleeping chamber and real habitation of the animal. The Fox seldom regularly inhabits its burrow, except when rearing young. After that period it generally sleeps in a cover, near a spot where it thinks plunder is to be had, sometimes at a distance from its burrow. THE WEASEL FAMILY. [Illustration: WEASELS AND ERMINES.] The Weasels and their many small relatives—the Ermines, Martens, Otters and many others—are usually classed with the Dog and Cat families and the Civets and Hyenas, under the second great division of the flesh-eating animals or those that walk on their toes; known as the Digitigrade Carnivora. The fierce little Weasel, which is taken as a type of the whole Weasel family is the smallest of all the carnivorous animals. It does not often measure more than six inches in length. It is found all over the temperate part of Europe, although the most of its relatives prefer the cold climate of the far North. Its boldness and courage are wonderful, and it will often seize and kill animals very much larger than itself. A Weasel has even been seen to attack an Eagle, and after allowing himself to be carried high into the air, he has succeeded after a long, hard fight in biting through the throat of the Eagle. Then both fall to the ground, and the Eagle dies, although the Weasel is not hurt, except the wounds in his skin made by the Eagle’s talons, which soon heal. Of all the animals belonging to this family, the Weasel is most easily tamed, and it soon shows a great affection for its master. THE ERMINE.