242 VERTEBRATA. 



beard, and the drowsy (inklings of bells lull the distant folds, the rabbits will leave their separate 

 burrows, situated <>n the margin «>t' the cover, for the purpose of feeding in the open land. The 

 fox, benl upon his prowling expedition, may then be dimly discerned, stealing along the broad 

 riding, or taking a shorter cul along a narrower path, to reach the feeding-ground in question. 

 But, in approaching the outside of the cover, and placing himself between the game and its 

 retreat, he exercises remarkable caution. His head is bent close to the ground, his body crouched, 

 his steps are as silenl and stealthy as those of the cat, and thus advancing, he is enabled to reach 

 the proper distance for springing upon his victim, which be verj rarely tails to secure. But, 

 however dexterous in thus seizing his prey, Reynard is not reckless or thoughtless in regard to 

 his resources. If he has been feeding upon a rabbit, the hind-quarters, for instance, at a distance 

 from home, he will nol leave the remainder for either the vermin or the rapacious birds; l>ut. 

 carefully pulling the skin over the flesh, for the purpose of keeping it clean, will bury it in Borne 

 loose earth, and come back and (etch it the next day. 



"The calculation of this species is also remarkable, for two foxes will sometimes act in concert. 

 I knew an instance of this sorl in respect to an old hart- that had frequently hid defiance to and 

 eluded the speed of the best greyhounds. A fox that knew where the form of this hare was 

 situated, aroused ami hunted her like the best trained harrier, and forced her up the long wood- 

 sidinc;. Now, his companion had placed himself in ambush, ahout half way up. On came the 

 hare, at a rapid rate. The fox last mentioned rushed at her, and missed her; but she was turned 

 in this way into the very teeth of the other; and thus was effected by stratagem what the grey- 

 hound had failed to accomplish by speed." 



The animal we have been describing is the prominent species, at least in Europe. There arc 

 otlnrs in different parts of the Eastern continent, as the V. Bengalensis, the Kokree of the 

 Mahrattas; the V, Himalaicus, resembling the American and European red fox, with a line rich 

 fur of brilliant and varied colors; and the Caama, V. Caama, a small species of Southern Africa. 

 Three species are also mentioned as belonging to the region of the Nile : V. Nilotieus ; V. fame- 

 liens ; and I". pallidus. It should be remarked that none of these are thoroughly known, and 

 some of them may he only varieties. 



The Common American Fox, V. fulvus, is of a bright reddish color; the nose, the lower parts 

 of the legs, forehead, neck, and flanks, however, being black. It so closely' resembles the European 



, that it was for a long time regarded as the same species. It is now known to be distinct. It 

 is extensively distributed throughout North America and the north of Asia, it having been found 

 in Japan. It is common in British America, and several thousand skins are annually collected by 

 the northern British fur-traders. It is still common throughout the United States, and even in 

 New England, where it is pursued with fox-hounds, and shot as it comes within range. Some 

 thousands of skins are thus annually obtained : one individual will often obtain thirty, or more, 

 in a season. In the Southern States the fox is hunted somewhat in the English fashion, — the 

 gray variety being must common in that region. Sir John Richardson says that the species we 

 are describing does not possess the wind of its English namesake, — that it runs with great swift- 

 ness for a short distance, but its strength is soon exhausted. We have accounts, however, which 

 Becm to Bhow that this animal is quite as enduring as the English one. 



This animal feeds on eggs, crickets, rabbits and other small quadrupeds, with such birds as he 

 can seize. Many of them live along the sea-shore, and prey on water-fowl or fish. They do not 

 refuse carrion when hard pressed for food. They also carry off young lambs, geese, turkeys, 

 ducks, and poultry. Everywhere they have the reputation of gormandizers and thieves. When 

 hunted by dogs, on the beaches, they often take to the water for escape. They live in burrows, 

 and bring forth from four to nine at a birth. These are blind, and covered for a time with a soft, 

 yellowish, woolly fur. Sometimes the litter displays a variety of colors, among which are found 

 some marked like the cross fox. They display the same aptitude to cunning as the European 

 fox, although they are less exposed, ami therefore ]c S s trained in the line arts peculiar to foxes. , 

 When pursued by dogs, they will frequently baffle their pursuers by leaping up on the trunk 

 of a tree. When the pack has passed, they leap down, and trot off in a safe direction. 



We are not surprised at the hard names that are given to the fox : he is -voracious, thieving, 



