ASSE, OR CAAMA.—Vulpes Caana. 
plenty.’ Gradually, however, it retreats more and more northward before the tread of 
civilized man, and at the present day is but very rarely seen within the limits of the 
colony. 
THE TWO animals which now claim our attention bear a considerable external 
resemblance to each other, albeit that similarity extends not to their formation. So 
different are they from each other, that they have been placed in a distinct genera by the 
almost unanimous voice of systematic naturalists. 
The former of these animals, the Orocyon, or Eared-dog, derives its name from the 
very great proportionate length of its ears. It is much smaller than the English Fox, 
and is of a tolerably uniform grey colour, except on the tail, which is covered with 
long black hair, and on the limbs, which are of a darker hue than the body. The ears are 
erect, well covered with fur, and nearly equal to the head in length. It is an inhabitant 
of Southern Africa. In several anatomical points, and especially in the arrangement and 
shape of its teeth, it is easily to be distinguished from the following animal. 
The FENNEC, or ZERDA, is an inhabitant of Africa, being found in Nubia and Egypt. 
It is a very pretty and lively little creature, running about with much activity, and anon 
sitting upright and regarding the prospect with marvellous gravity. The colour of the 
Fennec is a very pale fawn, or “isabel” colour, sometimes being almost of a creamy 
whiteness. The tail is bushy, and partakes of the general colour of the fur, except at the , 
upper part of the base and the extreme tip, which are boldly marked with black. The 
size of the adult animal is very inconsiderable, as it measures scarcely more than a foot 
in length, exclusive of the bushy tail, which is about eight inches lone. 
It is said that the Fennec, although it is evidently a carnivorous animal, delights to 
feed upon various fruits, especially preferring the date. Such a predilection is according 
to vulpine and canine analogies, for the common English Fox is remarkably fond of ripe 
fruits, such as grapes or strawberries, and the domestic dog is too often a depredator of 
those very gardens which he was enjoined to keep clear from robbers. But that the 
