

ARCTIC FOX 5 



may be seen the pigmy crow-foot (Ranunculus pygmceus) or perhaps a few 

 stunted plants, the tiny whitlow-grass or a clump of saxifrage standing out con- 

 spicuously. The dry leaves and stems of the previous year or two, which 

 generally remain on the growing plants, and which they serve to protect, do hut 

 add to the characteristic impression of dearth. 



Occasionally, indeed, a yellow Iceland poppy raises its head above the 

 rest of the herbage, generalhv close to spots overflown by water in early summer; 

 and where the grass is greener, the plant-patches may widen out and the n 

 disappear. At wide intervals a vivid green spot breaks the monotonous brown 

 and grey, showing where the grass grows more richly on some abandoned Samoj ed 

 camp, or on the holes of the Arctic fox, but even these do little to redeem the 

 cheerless character of the region. 



Apart from the polar bear, which is an inhabitant rather of tin- 

 Arctic Fox. . 



frozen sea, the Arctic fox (Canis lagojnis) is the largest mammal of 

 the Asiatic Boreal tract, and is indigenous not only to the Eastern but also to the 

 Western Hemisphere, the southern limit of its distribution being where tree- 

 growth begins. This peculiar fox is distinguished from others of its tribe by the 

 short and rounded ears, the short muzzle, and the whiskers on its cheeks. The soles 

 of its feet are more thickly haired in winter than in summer, to facilitate its 

 walking on slippery ice and frozen snow, and in these regions its dark, short- 

 haired summer coat is exchanged for a longer white winter dress. In summer, 

 with the exception of the yellowish white of the under-parts, the fur is principally 

 brown or dark rust-colour, but occasionally bluish grey above and nearly white 

 beneath. These parti-coloured foxes turn absolutely pure white in winter. Such 

 a change is. however, by no means constant in the species; the valuable " blue- 

 fox " of the furrier being: skins of individuals of this animal in the winter coat. 

 As a matter of fact, the Arctic fox is what is called a dimorphic animal : some 

 individuals turning pure white in winter, while others at this season assunir a 

 pale slaty-blue coat. Both dark and light individuals may be found in the same 

 district, and apparently in the same litter. In Iceland none of the Arctic foxes 

 turn white in winter. 



In many places the Arctic fox seems to migrate south in winter, particularly 

 in the northern section of its American habitat. Although these foxes are known 

 to store up provisions for that season in certain districts, as in Spitzbergen, it is 

 possible that their wanderings may be undertaken in search of food. On the 

 island last named there grow neither berries on which the foxes could subnet 

 during winter, nor is there open water to be found for a distance of many miles 

 through which food might be floated to the shore. Moreover the sea-birds, on 

 which these foxes elsewhere prey, leave these inhospitable shores in October. 

 Nevertheless, a considerable number of foxes winter in Spitzbergen, where they 

 are as active during the long polar night as during summer, when their barking. is 

 so frequently heard. Apparently, therefore, the foxes of Spitzbergen must collect 

 provisions for the winter, as is the case with those inhabiting other districts. 

 During the British Polar Expedition of 1875 a large number of dead lemmings were 

 found hidden in clefts of the rocks, where they had been placed by the foxes as a 

 winter store. 



