. The popular natural history . Zoology. THE FOX. 71 ACCORDIKG to some systematic naturalists the Foxes are placed in the genus Canis, together with the dogs and the wolves. Those eminent zoolo- gists, however, who have arranged the magnificent collections in the British Museum, have decided upon separating the Foxes from the dogs and wolves, and placing them in the genus Vulpes. To this decision they have come for several reasons, among which may be noted the shape of the pupil of the eye, which in the Foxes is elongated, but in the animals which compose the genus Canis is circular. The ears
. The popular natural history . Zoology. THE FOX. 71 ACCORDIKG to some systematic naturalists the Foxes are placed in the genus Canis, together with the dogs and the wolves. Those eminent zoolo- gists, however, who have arranged the magnificent collections in the British Museum, have decided upon separating the Foxes from the dogs and wolves, and placing them in the genus Vulpes. To this decision they have come for several reasons, among which may be noted the shape of the pupil of the eye, which in the Foxes is elongated, but in the animals which compose the genus Canis is circular. The ears of the Foxes are triangular in shape, and pointed, and the tail is always exceedingly bushy. A very powerful scent is poured forth from the Fox in consequence of some glands which are placed near the root of the tail, and furnish the odorous secretion. Glands of a similar nature, but not so well developed, are found in the wolves. It is by this scent that the hounds are able to follow the footsteps of a flying Fox, and to run it down by their superior speed and endurance. The Fox, indeed, seems to be aware that its pursuers are guided in their chase by this odour, and puts in practice every expedient that its fertile brain can produce in order to break the continuity of the scent, or to overpower it by the presence of other odours, which are more powerful though not more agreeable. Even when tamed it pro- serves its singular cunning. A tame Fox, that was kept in a stable-yard, had ma- naged to strike up a friend- ship with several of th; dogs, and would play with them, but could never in- duce the cats to approach him. Cats are very sensi- tive in their nostrils, aid could not endure the odour. They would not even walk upon any spot where the Fox had been standing, and kept as far aloof as possible from him. The crafty animal soon perceived that the cats would not come near him, and made use of his knowledge to cheat them of their breakfast. As soon as the servant pjured out th
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Keywords: ., bookcentury1800, bookdecade1880, booksubjectzoology, bookyear1884
