154 , MAMMALIA — FENNEC. 



is of a bright red color on the head, back, and sides ; on the throat and neck 

 of a dark gray ; and pale red on the under parts of the body. It bears a 

 strong resemblance to the common European fox, but differs from it in the 

 breadth and capacity of its feet for running on the snow ; and the quantity 

 of long hair, clothing the back part of the cheeks, with the shorter ears and 

 nose, give the head a more compact appearance. It has a much finer brush 

 than the European one, and is altogether a finer animal. It is very plenti- 

 ful in the wooded district of the fur countries, about eight thousand being 

 annually imported into England from thence. 



Red foxes prey much on the smaller animals of the rat family, but they 

 are fond of fish, and reject no kind of animal food that comes in their Avay. 

 They hunt their food chiefly in the night, though they are frequently seen 

 in the daytime. They are taken in steel traps, but much nicety is required 

 in setting them, as the animal is very suspicious. 



THE FENNEC. 1 



This beautiful and extraordinary animal, or at least one of this genus, 

 was first made known to European naturalists by Bruce, who received it 

 from his dragoman, whilst consul general at Algiers. Bruce kept it alive for 

 several months. Its favorite food was dates, or any other sweet fruit ; it 

 was also very fond of eggs; when hungry it would eat bread, especially 

 with honey or sugar. His attention was immediately attracted if a bird 

 flew near him, and he would watch it with an eagerness that could hardly 

 be diverted from its object : but he was dreadfully afraid of a cat, and 

 endeavored to hide himself, the moment he saw an animal of that species, 

 though he showed no symptoms of preparing for any defence. Bruce never 



> C. Brucci, Buff. 



