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VERTEBRATA. 
THE GRAY FOX. 
a black longitudinal stripe on the under surface. In size, form, and face, it resembles tbe red 
fox, of whicli it is a variety. Its sMn formerly sold for t\yonty-five -dollars : at present it is only 
wortli tlirec times tliat of tlie common red fox. This animal is found from Nova Scotia westwai'd 
across Maine, Vermont, JSTew Hampshire, ISTow York, and Canada, and northward to Labrador. 
The Swift Fox or Ivitfox, V. velox, is a small, slender species, generally of a gray color. In 
form it resembles the red fox, and in color the gray fox. It is a beautiful animal, runs with 
THE AMERICAN CROSS FOX. 
great swiftness, and, if pursued, doubles and winds with admirable skill and alertness. It lives 
in deep burrows, and is found on the plains and prairies on both sides of the Rocky Mountains, 
about latitude 49°. 
The Silver Fox or Black Fox, V. argentatiis, of America, is generally regarded as only a 
variety of tHe common fox, but Gervais considers it as probably a distinct species. It re- 
sembles the variety called Blach Fox of Europe. The size is that of the common fox, the fiu 
exceedingly long, soft, and rich ; and, although presenting great variety in the different species, is 
generally silvery black, sometimes with a chocolate tinge, the tip of the tail always white. The 
frontal part of the cranium has a peculiar lyre-shape, distinguishing it from every other species. 
This animal is found from Hudson's Bay to Pennsylvania, but it is everywhere exceedingly scarce. 
