^54 THE FOX. 



They are there believed to be very destructive to 

 Lambs ; and a reward is given of two shillings 

 a-head, for their extirpation *. 



The females produce only once a- year (except 

 ^ome accident befalls the first litter'i, and have 

 from three to six at a time. If the dam perceives 

 the place of her retreat to be discovered, she carries 

 off her cubs, ojie by one, to a more secure habita- 

 tion. The young are brought forth blind, like 

 puppies ; and are of a darkish-brown colour. — 

 Foxes grow till they are eighteen months old, and 

 live thirteen or fourteen years ■^. — During winter, 

 these animals make an almost continual yelping ; but 

 in summer, when they shed their hair^ they are for 

 the most part silent, 



THE APiCTIC FOX if. 



The Arctic Fox is smaller than the Commoii 

 Fox ; and of a blueish-grey colour, which some-^ 

 times changes to perfect white. The hair is very 

 thick, long, and soft. The nose is sharp ; and the 

 ears short, and almost hid in the fur. The tail is 

 shorter, but more bushy, than that of the Con;mon 

 Fox. — These animals are met with only in the 

 Arctic regions near the Polar Circle, and in the 

 islands of the Frozen and Eastern Oceans ; where 

 they are found in incredible numbers. 



* Danid, i. l6l. t Ibid. i. id.y. 



X Synonyms. — Canis Lag'^pus. Li?vu — Ibatis. Biijj'oii' -Cf.: 



2usd. 233. 



