THE SILVER FOX OR VAAL JAKHALS 
Having never been known to interfere with man 
and his possessions, this gentle little fox should 
not be wantonly persecuted. It at the present 
time fulfils a duty which is of much importance to 
man, in helping to keep in check hosts of injurious 
insects, including the destructive Migratory Locust 
and some of the most troublesome of the species 
of termites. In addition, it renders valuable service 
in reducing the numbers of rats and mice native to 
South Africa, as they breed with alarming rapidity, 
and, in consequence, unless preyed upon by many 
enemies would rapidly become a curse to the farmer. 
The time will probably come when these foxes, 
and a number of other species of our native animals 
which are at present rendering us such valuable 
service, will have served their purpose. They will 
have accomplished the work for which the Creator 
evolved them, and will take their place among the 
many creatures which God has no further use for 
in the great work of the Evolution of Man. 
So long as there are vast stretches of sparsely 
populated country, it is exceedingly unwise for man 
to thoughtlessly interfere with the balance of Nature 
in the animal kingdom. 
The name Draat, which is a South African Dutch 
word meaning “ turn,” is given to this animal owing 
to the hare-like swiftness with which it can double 
or turn when racing at full speed. 
The Silver Fox can easily be distinguished from 
any of the jackals by its more slender build, thin 
VOL. II TT3 8 
