FAMILY CANIDJE J FOX, LYCAON. 223 



also. Numerous other species of Fox exist in the Old and 

 New Worlds ; of these, however, we shall only stop to notice 

 the Arctic Fox, which is confined to the high northern latitudes. 

 The hair of this animal, in summer, is of a dusky ash or leaden 

 hue ; but in winter it assumes a pure white. The fur also 

 becomes fuller and thicker, and even deeply covers the soles of 

 the feet. The Lycaon pictus, or Cape Hunting-dog, is the last 

 species of this family, to which we shall advert. It forms a 

 complete transition to the next family, from its strong resem- 



FIG. 110. LYCAON PICTUS. 



blance to the Hyaena, not only in general aspect, but also in pos- 

 sessing but four toes on its fore and hind-feet. It agrees with 

 the Canidae, however, in its dentition and habits ; and may be 

 regarded as just such an aberrant form of that family, as we 

 might expect to find making a transition to the next. It is a 

 wild, fleet, and savage animal, hunting in packs by day as well 

 as by night ; and advancing by stealth on prey, which it will 

 not venture to attack openly. 



197. Of the family VIVERRHXE, we shall first notice one of 

 the typical genera, the Viverra or Civet ; which is characterised 

 by the possession of a double pouch, that secretes a fatty sub- 

 stance of a strong musky odour, used as a perfume ; by the half- 

 retractile power of the claws ; and by the pupil of the eye being 

 circular during the day, instead of being contracted into a vertical 



