44 



CHAPTEE VI. 



The Fox in Norway. Two Kinds. Its Norwegian Name. Fox Skins. 

 A Sick Fox. The Black Fox. A Norwegian Housekeeper in 

 Peril The White Fox. Its Habits. Its Food. The Foxes anu 

 the Birds' Eggs. The Fox as a Fisherman. The Fox and the 

 Crows. The Fox and the Badger. The Fox and the Otter. The 

 Fox and the Fleas. Tricks of the Fox. The Fox and the Hedge- 

 hog. The Agility of the Fox. Medicinal Virtues. 



THE fox (Canis vulpes) is common in all parts of Nor- 

 way. Two species are found in this country, viz. the 

 common red fox, and the Arctic or white fox. The 

 black fox is occasionally to be met with, but is now 

 acknowledged to be simply a variety of the common 

 fox. The crossed fox, which is larger and stronger, 

 and is said to be more courageous than the common 

 fox, appears, also, to be only a variety. At any rate, 

 some Norwegian naturalists say so, while others assert 

 that it is a distinct species. The fox is called in Nor- 

 way reeve, and in rural districts it receives the familiar 

 appellation of Michel. Although it is not pursued for 

 sport in this country, but is simply regarded as vermin, 

 the peasants have no particular dislike for it, rather 

 the reverse, and think Reynard a cunning sort of fel- 

 low, deserving of some respect. 



