58 
for a large part of the year, the fur of the Arctic Fox changes 
from a lead-brown color to white at the approach of winter. 
This provision of nature causes it to be less conspicuous against 
the snow and ice which surround it, and greatly aids it in ob¬ 
taining food, as well as in escaping the necessity of serving 
as such to swifter and more powerful animals. 
The Great Gray or Timber Wolf (Canis occidentals 
griseo-alba ) is the largest of American wolves, and formerly 
ranged over the whole United States and Canada. The set¬ 
tlement of the country has, however, driven them, with other 
noxious beasts, to the more secluded forests and plains, where 
THE PRAIRIE WOLF. 
they are beyond the reach of man. The common color of the 
species is grayish-white, but it varies all the way from pure 
white to deep black. 
The Prairie Wolf or Cayote (Canis latrans ) is well 
known to all western travelers. Beyond the Missouri river 
