11 



compxehends the short-eared owl of England, and numerous other 

 nearly allied species which are distributed universally over the 

 globe, from all of which it may be distinguished by its smaller size 

 and darker colouring. I am led to regard the members of this sec- 

 tion as possessing characters of sufficient value to justify their being 

 separated into a distinct genus, for which I propose the name of 

 Brachyotiis. 



Mr. Martin described a species of Fox brought by Mr. Darwin 

 from the island of Chiloe, respecting which he made the following 

 remarks : — 



The animal in question is probably identical with the Culpeu of 

 Molina, especially as the account of its surprise at the presence of 

 man, uncombined with any exertions to escape, as given by Mr. 

 Darwin, agree with the observations of Molina. Still, however, the 

 description of the Culpeu is too vague to render its identity with the 

 present species a matter of certainty ; and as I regard it to be the 

 best and safest plan in all doubtful cases to set the matter in such a 

 light as to prevent if possible any confusion, I shall here descril)e 

 and name the animal, for which 1 propose the specific title fulvipes. 



VuLPES FULviPES. Vulp. Tohustus, ortubus brevibus caudd tnedi- 

 ocri ; corporis colore cano nigroque commixtis ; hoc in dorso 

 prcBvalenie : capite sordide fulvescente, cano irroi-afo, rostro 

 fusco, labiis snperioribus ad marginem sordide albis, mentofidi- 

 ginoso, auribiis externe castaneis ; brachiis interne, tarsis digi- 

 tisque fidvis ; genis, guld, corporeque subtus, soi'dide albis; 

 caudd vellere breviore per tertiam partem indutd, apice Jioccoso 

 et fuliginoso. 



it. in. lin. 



Longitudo corporis ad basin caudse 2 



caudae ad apicem velleris .... 9 



rostri ad oculos 1 4 



aurium 1 3 



tarserum ad plantam digitalem 2 4 



Altitude apud humeros 10 



Hah. Chiloe. 



The Vulpes fulvipes is remarkable for the stout form of the body 

 and the shortness of the limbs : the tail is rather short, and covered 

 with hair of moderate length, exce])t at the extrcmitj'', where it 

 forms an abrupt and full tuft tipped with sooty black. The general 

 fur is full, moderately deep, and rather harsh ; on the body the co- 

 lour is hoary mixed with black, the latter being more decided down 

 the top of the back ; the head inclines to fulvous, grizzled with 

 hoary. The muzzle and skin are dusky, but the edges of the lips 

 are white ; the ears are rather short and of a chestnut brown ; the 

 outside of the fore limbs is dusky black freckled with fulvous inner 

 side and toes pale fulvous brown ; a dark mark approaching black 

 above the tarsal joint ; tarsi and toes fulvous brown. Under parts 

 dirty white. Hair of two sorts, viz. those which constitute a soft 



