io8 Anecdotal Natural History. 



more than suffice for a single meal, he buried five of 

 his victims in a neighbouring garden, evidently intend- 

 ing to return on the following evening and resume his 

 banquet. But although the bodies of the slaughtered 

 birds were carefully concealed, one wing of each 

 was left projecting above the soil, thus pointing out 

 the transaction to every passer-by. As Mr. Waterton 

 remarks, 'An ass, in this case, would have shown just 

 as much talent and cunning as Reynard himself had 

 exhibited.' 



Passing to the foxes of other countries, the Ameri- 

 can fox ( Vulpes fulvus) deserves a passing mention. 

 This animal is very variable in its colouring, specimens 

 having been found of almost every intermediate hue 

 between black and pale yellow. A black streak 

 almost invariably crosses the shoulders, earning fo*- 

 the animal the alternative title of ' cross fox.' 



The Arctic fox ( Vulpes lagopus) is a very well-known 

 animal, chiefly on account of the valuable fur, which 

 is much used in commerce. During the winter, at 

 which time it is most in request, the coat is of a beau- 

 tiful silky white, darkening to a dull greyish-brown 

 as the season advances. The Arctic fox inhabits the 

 northern regions of Europe, Asia, and America. 



This animal appears to be almost destitute of the 

 remarkable cunning of the others of its race, being 

 easily trapped, and allowing a hunter to approach within 

 easy shooting distance. In one way, however, it is 

 sagacious enough, possessing the power of imitating 

 the cries of the birds upon which it feeds, and so en- 

 ticing them within its reach. 



SOMEWHAT resembling a very small fox in general 

 appearance, the Asse, or Caama ( Vulpes caama) merits 

 a passing mention. 



This animal is found in Southern Africa, where it is 

 remarkable for its inroads upon the nests of the ostriches 



