168 The Mammalia, of Essex ; a Contribution towards a
squirrel, and preys principally on birds, which it surprises
when roosting. It also differs in not giving out the disgusting
odour we usually associate with this family, and which has,
amongst our native members, its greatest development in
the polecat. Accounts of captures of martens are very
unsatisfactory, as we cannot feel sure which of our two native
species (if species they are) is referred to ; but I think the
species under consideration is the one intended by Lubbock
in his 'Fauna of Norfolk,' first published in 1845. He says
"it still is occasionally found in Essex."
Carnivora. Canidae.
Vulpes vulgaris. Common Fox.—It is quite unnecessary
to give any specific account of this fortunately common
member of our fauna, as it is so well known by sight to
almost every one. I say "fortunately common," and may it
long remain so, being the object of, a sport which does so
much to bring all classes together, encourages the breeding
of horses, trains our young men as fearless riders, and does
not make its votaries selfish and suspicious, as is the case in
shooting, fishing, and most other sports. As far as I know
the pursuit of the fox and its preservation are the causes of
no damage to anything except a little poultry and game ; but
the advantages are so manifest that we must be content to
give these in exchange. So long as there are woods in the
country, and the present condition of agriculture gives no
reason to suppose they will be destroyed, so long will there
be foxes, unless the game preserver takes to using strychnine,'
and so destroys the sport of the many for a day or two's
grand battue during the year ; but I hope we may never see
this. Many anecdotes are related of the sagacity of this
animal, but I need not go into them, as the fox's cunning is
proverbial.
Carnivora. Phocidae.
Phoca vitulina. Common Seal.—This seal occurs sparingly
on all parts of the coast, but it is not seen every year, and in
fact the seals that have been taken on the Essex shores can