516 



17. Yulpes pusiLLTjs, Blyth, J. A. S. B. 1854, p. 730. 



My specimens agree with the descriptions of the above author, 

 and likewise with V. leucopus, Blyth, which I think will turn out 

 only a variety of V. pusilhis. This Fox is larger than the V. benga- 

 l en sis ; and, although common in the Punjab, I did not see it in 

 Scinde or in the Deccan. 



18. Vulpes flavescens, Gray. 



I purchased specimens of this Fox at Leh in Ladakh, and was 

 told by the natives that it is common in the surrounding country. 

 I likewise killed a female and its cub on the Pir Pinjal Ranges of 

 Cashmere, which, on comparison, proved identical with this species. 

 Although larger than the next species, they are similar. At cer- 

 tain seasons of the year the hair is thick, and contains much 

 peshm , 



19. Vulpes montanus, Pearson. 

 Loh of Cashmere. 



Is generally distributed over the lower and middle regions of the 



western ranges, and never visits the plains. Its favourite haunts 



are cultivated districts ; preys on jioultry, Partridges, Pheasants, &c. 



Note. — In the Vale of Cashmere, among the ravines, a Fox is 



common, larger than the V. montanus, and of a lighter colour; it 



burrows in the sides of the little sand banks (called kirawas). It is 



known to the natives by the name of " Shawul," to distinguish it 



from the " Loh," which they say is another species. I have seen 



the Loh on the surrounding mountains, but never in the valley. I 



was unfortunate in not obtaining a specimen of the Shawul, although 



I saw many. It preys on poultry, &c. 



20. Herpestes griseus (Geoff.). 

 Deccan ; Scinde ; Punjab. Pretty common. 



21. Herpestes nycla, Hodgson. 



Afghanistan ; neighbourhood of Peshawur : easily domesticated, 

 and has been known to breed with the last species. 



22. Martes flavigula (Bodd.). 



Lower and middle regions of the Western Himalayas. Common ; 

 is easily domesticated, and may be taught to follow its master like 

 a dog. When moving about, it is constantly uttering a low chuckle, 

 which is prolonged into a harsh cry when the animal is excited ; 

 very active and playful in the tame state. Its food consists of 

 poultry, eggs, Partridges, and Pheasants. A tame specimen in my 

 possession used to hunt after Snakes and Lizards, which it de- 

 voured greedily. The summer and winter dress varies consider- 

 ably, being much lighter in colour during the latter season, while 

 the dark robe of midsummer so much resembles that of the 

 M. gwatkinsii, that I doubt if one could easily tell the difference 

 at that season. 



