242 
YERTEBRATA. 
heard, and the drowsy tinklings of bells lull the distant folds, the rabbits will leave their separate 
burrows, situated on the margin of the cover, for the purpose of feeding in the open land. The 
fox, bent upon his prowling expedition, may then be dimly discerned, stealing along the broad 
riding, or taking a shorter cut along a narrower path, to reach the feeding-ground in question. 
But, in approaching the outside of the cover, and placing himself between the game and its 
retreat, he exercises remarkable cautiou. His head is bent close to the ground, his body crouched, 
his steps are as silent and stealthy as those of the cat, and thus advancing, he is enabled to reach 
the proper distance for springing upon his victim, which he very rarely fails to secure. But, 
however dexterous in thus seizing his prey, Reynard is not reckless or thoughtless in regard to 
his resources. If he has been feeding upon a rabbit, the hind-quarters, for instance, at a distance 
from home, he will not leave the remainder for either the vermin or the rapacious birds ; but, 
carefully pulling the skin over the flesh, for the purpose of keeping it clean, will bury it in some 
loose earth, and come back and fetch it the next day. 
" The calculation of this species is also remarkable, for two foxes will sometimes act in concert. 
I knew an instance of this sort in respect to an old hare that had frequently bid defiance to and 
eluded the speed of the best greyhounds. A fox 'that knew where the form of this hare was 
situated, aroused and hunted her like the best trained harrier, and forced her up the long wood- 
siding. Now, his companion had placed himself in ambush, about half way up. On came the 
hare, at a rapid rate. The fox last mentioned rushed at her, and missed her ; but she was turned 
in this Avay into the very teeth of the other ; and thus was effected by stratagem what the grey- 
hound had failed to accomplish by speed." 
The animal we have been describing is the prominent species, at least in Europe. There are 
others in different parts of the Eastern continent, as the V. Benffalensis, the Kokree of the 
Mahrattas ; the V. Himalaicus, resembling the American and European red fox, with a fine rich 
fur of bi'illiant and varied colors ; and the Caama, V. Caama, a small species of Southei^n Africa. 
Three species are also mentioned as belonging to the region of the Nile : V. JSfilotkus ; V. fame- 
licus ; and V. pallidus. It should be remarked that none of these are thoroughly known, and 
some of them may be only varieties. 
The Common American Fox, V. fulvus, is of a bright reddish color ; the nose, the lower parts 
of the legs, forehead, neck, and flanks, however, being black. It so closely resembles the European 
fox, that it was for a long time regarded as the same species. It is now known to be distinct. It 
is extensively distributed throughout North America and the north of Asia, it having been found 
in Japan. It is common in British America, and several thousand skins are annually collected by 
the northern British fur-traders. It is still common throughout the United States, and even in 
New England, where it is pursued with fox-hounds, and shot as it comes within range. Some 
thousands of skins are thus annually obtained : one individual will often obtain thirty, or more, 
in a season. In the Southern States the fox is hunted somewhat in the English fashion, — the 
gray variety being most common in that region. Sir John Richardson says that the species we 
are describing does not possess the wind of its English namesake, — that it runs with great swift- 
ness for a short distance, but its strength is soon exhausted. We have accounts, however, which 
seem to show that this animal is quite as enduring as the English one. 
This animal feeds on eggs, crickets, rabbits and other small quadrupeds, with such birds as he 
can seize. Many of them live along the sea-shore, and prey on water-fowl or fish. They do not 
refuse carrion when hard pressed for food. They also carry off young lambs, geese, turkeys, 
ducks, and poultry. Everywhere they have the reputation of gormandizers and thieves. When 
hunted by dogs, on the beaches, they often take to the water for escape. They live in bun-ows, 
and brino- forth fi'om four to nine at a birth. These are blind, and covered for a time with a soft, 
yellowish, woolly fur. Sometimes the litter displays a variety of colors, among which are found 
some marked like the cross fox. They display the same aptitude to cunning as the European 
fox, although they are less exposed, and therefore less traiired in the fine arts peculiar to foxes. 
When pursued by dogs, they will frequently baffle their pursuers by leaping up on the trunk 
of a tree. When the pack has passed, they leap down, and trot off in a safe direction. 
We are not surprised at the hard names that are given to the fox : he is voracious, thieving, 
