494 APPENDIX. 



The Arctic Fox. Vulpes lagopus. (Desmarest.) 



F. B. A. 1. p. 83. 



This playful and handsome animal inhabits the barren 

 grounds north of the woods, being most plentiful on the 

 islands and shores of the Arctic sea, where it brings 

 forth its young. It wanders far in the winter in search of 

 food; and in particular seasons travels into the wooded 

 districts. It also goes out on the ice to a considerable 

 distance from the land, and, according to Fabricius, 

 shows much cunning and dexterity in catching some 

 kinds of fish. The fur changes from grey to white in the 

 winter; but, though very close and long, it is greatly 

 inferior in quality to that of the Vulpes fulvus. Many 

 pleasing anecdotes of this simple animal are told by 

 Captain Lyons and other Arctic voyagers. 



Coloured individuals, named " blue " or " sooty " 

 foxes, are frequently seen even in the middle of winter. 



Canada Lynx. Felis Canadensis. (Geoffroy.) F. B. A. 



1. p. 101. 



This animal, which is clothed with a very fine thick 

 fur, inhabits the wooded districts, where it preys chiefly 

 on the American hare. It is commonly termed " the 

 cat " by the traders, and is named Peeshoo by the Crees. 

 Temminck considers it as specifically the same with the 

 lynx of the North of Europe, which he calls Felis borealis. 



American Beaver. Castor Americanus. (F. Cuvier.) 



F. B. A. 1. p. 105. 



The beaver's skin is the staple commodity of the fur 

 countries, and forms the standard of value in trafficking 



