338 



THE FENNEC 





plenty. Gradually, however, it retreats more and more northward before the tread of 

 civilized man, and at the present day is but very rarely seen within the limbs of the 

 colony. 



THE two animals which now claim our attention bear a considerable external resem- 

 blance to each other, albeit that similarity extends not to their formation. So dif- 

 ferent are they from each other, that they have been placed in a distinct genera by the 

 almost unanimous voice of systematic naturalists. 



The former of these animals, the OTOCYON, or Eared-dog, derives its name from the 

 very great proportionate length of its ears. It is much smaller than the English 

 Fox, and is of a tolerably uniform gray color, except on the tail, which is covered with 

 long black hair, and on the limbs, which are of a darker hue than the body. The ears 

 are erect, well covered with fur, and nearly equal to the head in length. It is an inhabit- 

 ant of Southern Africa. In several anatomical points, and especially in the arrange- 

 ment and shape of its teeth, it is easily to be distinguished from the following animal. 



AS5E, OR CAAMA.Vulpes Caama. 



The FENNEC, or ZERDA, is an inhabitant of Africa, being found in Nubia and Egypt. 

 It is a very pretty and lively little creature, running about with much activity, and 

 anon sitting upright and regarding the prospect with marvellous gravity. The color of 

 the Fennec is a very pale fawn, or " isabel " color, sometimes being almost of a creamy 

 whiteness. The tail is bushy, and partakes of the general color of the fur, except at 

 the upper part of the base and the extreme tip, which are boldly marked with black. 

 The size of the adult animal is very inconsiderable, as it measures scarcely more than 

 a foot in length, exclusive of the bushy tail, which is about eight inches long. 



It is said that the Fennec, although it is evidently a carnivorous animal, delights to 

 feed upon various fruits, especially preferring the date. Such a predilection is according 

 to vulpine and canine analogies, for the common English Fox is remarkably fond of ripe 

 fruits, such as grapes or strawberries, and the domestic dog is too often a depredator of 

 those very gardens which he was enjoined to keep clear from those robbers. But that the 



