BLACK FOX 



Vulpes fitlvus argentatus. 



The black fox is a slightly more northern variety of the red fox 

 species, being found from Alaska to Manitoba and occasionally far- 

 ther south, although rare throughout its range. In. the typical form 

 it is also known as the "silver fox," both from the snow white tip 

 of the tail and from the white tips on the black fur and the more 

 grizzled appearance of the hind parts. As it occurs, however, in 

 the same range as the cross fox and mixes freely with the latter, 

 there are numerous variations from the type and sometimes even an 

 entirely gray or wholly black specimen is found. 



For centuries genuine black fox fur has been esteemed among 

 the three or four most . valuable ones. Kings and queens have 

 placed upon it their sanction as the only fur that will retain gold 



103 



