THE OUTDOOR WORLD. 



99 



neighborhood, as far as we know, was shot by a Mr. Reynolds at 

 Katonah, in March, 1880. It was killed while running before the 

 hounds, and weighed about thirty pounds. 



Vidpes pennsylvanicus. Red Fox. — Common. This locality is an 

 ideal one for foxes. It contains enough wild uncultivated land to in- 

 sure their safety and still is in close proximity to farmmg country 

 where food is easily procured. 



In one week in December, 1881, a hunter killed seven foxes, and as 

 far as we can learn foxes have not diminished materially up to the pres- 

 ent time. The mating season is probably in the latter part of January 

 as at that time they are seen running in pairs. 



After long and careful study of their movements, as recorded by 

 the tracks in the snow, the question arises whether they are not of 

 more value to man than otherwise. Surely they destroy myriads of 

 meadow voles and other mice as well as rabbits and young woodchucks. 



Urocyon virgi7iianiis . Gray Fox. — Not uncommon, but much rarer 

 than the red fox. Judging from the number killed, the red fox is five 

 times more common than the gray. In fox hunting the latter species 

 is always considered far inferior, and is never able to give the hounds 

 such a tiresome chase as its agile and cunning relative, the red fox. 



Mephitis inephitica. Skunk. — Common. A very beneficial animal 

 and one that should be carefully protected as it lives largely on in- 

 jurious insects and mice. Although it is accused of killing chickens 

 and maybe some times justly, nevertheless an old one and her six 

 young lived in the wall of our chicken yard and neither eggs nor 

 chickens were missed. If the scent sacs are removed before the young 

 is half grown, it can be made a gentle and attractive house pet, as 

 cleanly and more affectionate than any cat. 



Lut7'a canadensis. Otter. — Probably it still rarely occurs at Croton 

 Lake and River. The last specimen we have any record of, was taken 

 in the tide creeks in Croton Point, about 1880. 



Lutreola vison. Mink. — Common along all the larger streams and 

 ponds. 



Putoriics noveboracensis. Weasel. — Tolerably common. This is an- 

 other animal which "on account of its occasional inroads on poultry" is 

 most ruthlessly destroyed whenever opportunity offers. Its chief food 

 is the smaller rodents, and many times has the little animal been seen 

 carrying a mouse in its mouth. 



Once we remember of finding a weasel, shot by some one, and be- 

 side it lay a meadow mouse it had been carrying. On May 29, 1878, 

 while resting in a shady nook where a stone wall crossed a small stream, 

 Mr. George Ayles and the writer heard a noise which sounded almost 



