64 NATURAL HISTORY. 



which lies so long on the ground that it may be perceived for 

 nearly an hour after the ibx has passed. Partly on this ac- 

 count, and partly on account of its speed, endurance, and cun- 

 ning, the chase' of the fox is one of the most admired English 

 sports. Many tales are related of its cunning when pursued, 

 such as driving another fox out of its home, and forcing it to 

 substitute itself as the chase, diving into a heap of manure, so 

 that the dogs could not perceive its scent, jumping over a wall, 

 running a little way, coming back again, and lying under the 

 wall until all the dogs had passed, and then leaping a second 

 time over the same place where it had passed before, and mak- 

 ing off on its old track. A fox has been known to leap through 

 a kitchen window, and hide itself behind the plates on the 

 dresser, without the observation of the cook, to whose terror 

 and consternation six or seven dogs have leaped through the 

 same window, and dragged the fox from his lurking place. 



The Arctic Fox changes its fur, and becomes white during 

 the winter. 



Sub-family c. Mustelina. (Lat. Mustela, a Weasel.) 

 MARTES. (Lat. a Marten.) 



ALie'tum (Lat. of the Pine-tree), the Pine Marten. 



The MUSTELINA, or WEASELS, are easily distinguished by their 

 long slender bodies, short muzzle, sharp teeth, and predatory 



