268 THE BOOK OF THE ANIMAL KINGDOM 



appearance, and the frill on the chest is also very characteristic in a 

 good specimen. 



ARCTIC FOX.— The Arctic Fox (Fig. 205) is a beautiful creature at 

 all times, but especially when it is wearing its Winter coat, as shown 

 in the photograph. It is not such a large beast as the Common Red 

 Fox last described, and is a resident of colder regions, living within 

 the Arctic Circle. It has a grey or bluish coat during Summer, but 

 this turns to pure white in Winter. During the Autumn months 

 large numbers of these Foxes collect together and migrate south- 

 wards. There they stay until the Spring-time, and are much sought 

 after by trappers on account of the value of their skins. 



FENNEC FOX. — The Fennec Fox (Fig. 206) will at once arrest 

 attention because of its large ears and tail. This species is an 

 inhabitant of Northern Africa. It is pale fawn colour, a pretty 

 creature of nocturnal habits, and only attains a length of about one 

 foot, excluding the bushy tail. 



INDIAIf FOX. — The Indian Fox (Fig. 207) is another pretty little 

 species deserving of mention. It is almost the smallest member of 

 the true Foxes, and is known in India by the name of Lumri. It 

 utters a short yelping bark, is not at all shy in disposition, but as it 

 does not possess the strong scent of its European cousin it is not 

 hunted to any extent with hounds. It is easily tamed, and this, 

 together with the absence of any distasteful smell, makes it an agree- 

 able animal to keep in captivity. 



In colour it varies like most of the Foxes, but the general colour 

 of the fur is grey, with a reddish tinge. 



SILVER FOX, — The Silver Fox is a native of North America, and 

 is also known as the Black Fox. It is a rare beast, and the fur is 

 stated to be the most valuable in the world. It is deep black in 

 colour, with white tips to the hair, which gives the animal a beautiful 

 silvery effect. 



Mr. Protheroe states that "the imperial pelisse of the Czar of 

 Russia, made of the black necks of the Silver Fox, was exhibited 

 at Hyde Park in 185 1. It was valued at ;^3,5oo." 



Attention need only be drawn to the Silver-Backed Fox (Fig. 208) 

 of South Africa, and the Virginian or Silver-Grey Fox (Fig. 209) 

 of Central America, and we may now pass on to consider the claims 

 of some other animals who are deserving of a place in this important 

 section of our work. 



COYPTJ RAT.— This aquatic animal (Fig. 210) is an inhabitant 



