MAMMALS FUTAH 121 



dollars and cents that they demand separate notice. This 

 form inhabits the same localities as the cross fox, and is 

 much given to mixing with it, whch causes many variations 

 from their standard colors toward the typical red fox. 

 (Hornaday.) 



(3) CROSS FOX 

 VULPES FULVUS DEGUSSATUS (Desmarest) 



Canis decassatus Desm. Mamm., 1, 1820, p. 203. 



Description — The cross fox is so called from the pres- 

 ence of a black cross formed by a dark band along the back, 

 crossed by another on the shoulder. In general form it 

 resembles the red variety closely, but is perhaps a little 

 larger with more bushy tail. The under surface of the 

 feet likewise are more densely covered with wooly hair. 

 There is a good deal of yellowish rufous visible on the back 

 and sides, which is quite vivid on the flanks and side of the 

 neck. The upper part of the head (exclusive of muzzle) 

 the posterior half of the back, with the outside of the shoul- 

 ders and thighs, have the basal fur a dusky brown, darkest 

 on the median line, the long hairs black, with a broad sub- 

 terminal annulation of yellowish Vhite of a much grayer 

 tint on the head and shoulders, which variegates the color 

 very much. The dorsal region between the shoulders i^ 

 also similarly marked; but a great preponderance of black 

 evident at the upper parts of the shoulders, causes the 

 appearance of a black cross at this point. The sides of the 

 neck and of the body are pure reddish yellow, the basal fur 

 being nearly white. This color extends toward the median 

 line of the back, just behind the shoulders, leaving an inter- 

 val of only a few inches on the middle of the back, and 

 relieving very much the posterior angles of the cross. The 

 muzzle, legs and under parts generally, including the inside 

 of the limbs, with the convexity of the ears, are black. 

 The long tail hairs are grayish or yellowish red, and black 

 at their tips, impressing thisi color on the exterior of the 

 tail ; the tip of the tail, however, is entirely white. (Baird.) 

 "In my opinion a really typical cross fox is the handsomest 

 fox in the world, far more beautiful than the much sought 

 'silver fox.' " (Hornaday.) 



Distribution — The three varieties mentioned above are 

 considered here together for the reason that the cross and 

 the black foxes are really only color phases of the red 



