The National tribune., 1889-12-05


most sbounds and especially in the photographic
basins of the Columbia and Missouri, is found
the swift or burrowing fox, Vulpes velox. In
this form the face Is broader aud nose shorter
than in the red Species the soles of the feet are
covered with hair, as in the Arctic fox and it
is of very pale grayish. brown color in Win
ter. The common names for this animal ex-
plain some Of its traits, but it does not appear
that like
THE FOX OF THE INDIAN PLAINS,
this animal has the foresight so to place its bur-
rows that they shall be at all times secure from
floods. Otherwise, it generally constructs its
own subterranean retreat, whereas the common
fox of Europe is so averse to digging, that in
the event of not being able to dispossess hare
or badger from its hole, it actually will take up
its quarters with the latter, or even occupy
those artificial burrows which are constructed
for them in parts of Germany in order TO facil-
itate getting at their cubs. 1t is the Yulpus
wipes the fox of foxes the Reward Of classic
and medieval story, who behaves in this way,
and who, from his contact with men, and from
the hard conditions of life which his evil pro-
pensities entail, is among the most astute of
animals.
Before referring to the subject of vulpine
psychology. the gray fox of America must be
briefly noticed. This animal, which is princi-
pally found in the Middle aud Southern States
is smaller, and less predatory, sagacious and
moro capable, both mentally and physically, than
his red ally of the north, before whom he has al
ways retreated. The gray fox lives in coverts,
assures in rocks caves, or hollow trees, but so
seldom constructs burrow that Audubon only
knew of one instance in which this had been
done. He is according to the same authority,
hunter of wild game exclusively, and seldom
or never molests domestic fowls in their own
localities. When these intrude upon his do
main, however, it is another thing; then they
share the same fate rs almost every living thing
that no ia able to catch and destroy-birds, rab-
bits, squirrels, MICE rats, fish, molluscs and in
scots. Except during deep SHOWS this fox gen.
orally hunts during the obscurity of late twi-
light, and in the darkness of night" when his
short. quick bark, an information common to the
family at large, may often be heard in the dis
triets he frequents.
Quite an extended paper might easily be COM
piled upon the mental traits exhibited by foxes
OF all species, but it is the European form which
has been chiefly observed. and without doubt
1t is this fox whose intelligence is, for the
reasons already given. the most highly develop
cd. 10 give even sketch of this subject with
III the space which remains is impossible and
we will therefore briefly describe the last mem
Der OF the ThoOid group of Cynoidae the jackal
and reserve an account of the faculties of both
animals until the next issue of The NATIONAL
TRIBUNE.
found In Lower Burmah, though but recently
introduced, or more properly, recently seif-in-
trodueed there. and according to DIR. JeTdOn its
geographical distribution includes most Of Asia,
Ceylon, South Europe and North Africa.
THE VARIOUS SPECIES
belonging to these localities are closely allied,
and there is but little variation, except in color
throughout the genus. This trait differs with
typographical POSITIONS for example in Ben
gal, where black variety exists-but generally
the jackal is of a dusky. brown or rufous-gray
tint On the back and sides, and the hairs are
notified with black. its tail is reddish-g gray,
with black tip, and rather hairy, while the
muzze and limbs TufOus, and below the hue
Is yellowish-gray. IL is a small animal about
the average size Of the American coyote, and
structuTally has all those Characteristic features
OF the Candle which were stated when discuss
ing the conformation Of this family.
Together with certain birds-the crows,
vuitures Marebout stork, etc. the jackaI may
be called the scaVeDger Of the East, and indeed
OF all those other countries where it resides
Beyond doubt il is the most omniverous OF all
the dog-like animals and in India. where its
habits have been most accurately observed il
has been found 10 eat every kind Of devitaized
nesh, whether fresh or putrid besides game Of
ali those sorts which the cowardIy creature
ventures to attack and can kill. Jackals also
devour great quantities Of coffee berries in the
plantations of Upper India, consume the Der
fruit IN immense quantities, are very destructive
70 the fields of sugarcane in Baglalpore, and Col.
Sykes says are the ruin of vineyards.
The animal usually inhabits burrows in the
earth, similar TO those of the IAdian wolf and
fox, but in certain places. there and elsewhere,
has been known 70 occupy natural caves, the
shafts, or rather pits of deserted mines. aud
ruined buildings These latter are fayorite
haunts OF the tiger in many parts of India, and
the JackaPs relations with this animal are very
much the same with those which he bears to the
lion elsewhere. Four cubs are generally pro-
duced at birth, and, as the creature is but
little hunted, except by Englishmen who desire
TO exercise their grayhounds and horses its
numbers are so great that the struggle for life
has developed those omniverons propensities
spoken of, and also evolved it, intelligence to
the extent Of making il one of the most cum
ming. wary, and generally capable of beasts.
At the same time il is unquestionably most
contemplate as well as disgusting animal, al
though despite this fact il is an interesting one
The fierce, timid, astute brute has almost as
many wiles as a fox. His uuearthly cry is
heard in some of the most interesting places on
earth; and as the constant companion of the
lion aud tiger, he is a participant in most of
those nightly tragedies Of the forest and plain
wrought by these grim murderers.
ITO be eoniinuedJ