IN CAPTIVITY IN LOWER BENGAL. 85 



more black on the outside of the limbs. The summer coating of both 

 the forms is very shabby ; by the middle of March they shed most of 

 their winter coat, the under fur becomes loose, and the animals look as 

 if they had rolled on a heap of wool. 



Hab. — The Himalayan form is found from Nepal to Kashmir 

 and Gilgit. The European form is found throughout Northern Europe 

 and the British Isles. 



Length of life in captivity. 



The maximum period during which a common fox of Europe has 

 lived in the garden has been over six years ; that of the Himalayan 

 variety has not exceeded four years, 



Treatment in health. 



Housing, — The general principle that should be observed is to keep 

 them in a cool airy place. In this garden they are generally exhibited 

 in one of the cages of the Kuch Behar House (see page 56). During 

 the warm summer days they should have cold water freely sprinkled 

 over them with a garden syringe, and to reduce the temperature of 

 the cage some wet straw or hay may also be put on its roof. From 

 March to October is the most trying time for these animals in Lower 

 Bengal. 



Food.— Four to six plantains and a little bread between 8 and 

 9 o'clock in the morning ; one to two> pounds of boiled beef in the 

 evening. The less beef is given during the hot weather, the better. 

 Besides plantains, the foxes will eat dates, oranges, pears and various 

 other fruits. Chickens and rabbits may occasionally be given as a 

 change of diet. 



Treatment in sickness. 



These foxes have been known to die from convulsions and excitement. 



Habits. 



English foxes become wonderfully tame. They wag their bushy 

 tails, roll on the floor of the cage, and utter a subdued chattering moan 

 expressive of recognition of a friendly visit. If a bit of bread or some 

 fruit is given to a tame beast, it does not eat without some demon- 

 stration of pleasure. They pant much and otherwise feel uncomfortable 

 during the summer. Both the English and the Himalayan foxes 

 have been observed to turn paler after prolonged captivity. 



(91) THE INDIAN MARTEN. 

 (MUSTELA FLAYIGULA— Bodd.) 



Description. — It has a slender body, short limbs and a long tail. 

 The colour of the head, face, nape, the rump, tail and the limbs glossy 

 brownish black ; the back and the flanks pale brown ; the chin and 



