64 



FLESH-EATERS 



part of its range, the Aleutian Archipelago, for example, ex- 

 cept for an occasional white individual,, it is dark all the year 

 round, and is known only as the BLUE Fox. At first it may 

 seem difficult to believe that these two widely different ex- 



THE ARCTIC FOX. 



tremes are only color phases of the same species; but it is 

 quite true. The dark-colored animal is not even accorded 

 subspecific rank. 



The Arctic-Blue Fox is a simple-minded creature, of san- 

 guine temperament, easily trapped and handled, and ever 

 ready to adopt the prepared food of civilization. In its 

 white phase, the finest skins sell in London at $22 each. 

 In its blue-brown coat, it has a very comical countenance, 

 characterized by much hair, close-cropped ears, and a total 



