. The naturalist's library; containing scientific and popular descriptions of man, quadrupeds, birds, fishes, reptiles and insects; . EC. is of a bright red color on the head, back, and sides; on the throat and neckof a dark gray; and pale red on the under parts of the body. It bears astrong resemblance to the common European fox, but differs from it in thebreadth and capacity of its feet for running on the snow; and the quantityof long hair, clothing the back part of the cheeks, with the shorter ears andnose, give the head a more compact appearance. It has a much finer brush*han the European
. The naturalist's library; containing scientific and popular descriptions of man, quadrupeds, birds, fishes, reptiles and insects; . EC. is of a bright red color on the head, back, and sides; on the throat and neckof a dark gray; and pale red on the under parts of the body. It bears astrong resemblance to the common European fox, but differs from it in thebreadth and capacity of its feet for running on the snow; and the quantityof long hair, clothing the back part of the cheeks, with the shorter ears andnose, give the head a more compact appearance. It has a much finer brush*han the European one, and is altogether a finer animal. It is very plenti-ful in the wooded district of the fur countries, about eight thousand beingannually imported into England from thence. Red foxes prey much on the smaller animals of the rat family, but theyare fond of fish, and reject no kind of animal food that comes in their hunt their food chiefly in the night, though they are frequently seenin the daytime. They are taken in steel traps, but much nicety is requiredin setting them, as the animal is very suspicious. THE This beautiful and extraordinary animal, or at least one of this genus,was first made known to European naturalists by Bruce, who received itfrom his dragoman, whilst consul general at Algiers. Bruce kept it alive forseveral months. Its favorite food was dates, or any other sweet fruit; itwas also very fond of eggs; when hungry it would eat bread, especiallywith honey or sugar. His attention was immediately attracted if a birdflew near him, and he would watch it with an eagerness that could hardlybe diverted from its object: but he was dreadfully afraid of a cat, andendeavored to hide himself, the moment he saw an animal of that species,though he showed no symptoms of preparing for any defence. Bruce nevei 1 C. Brucei, Buff. MAMMALIA—CIVET. 155 heard that he had any voice. During the day he was inclined to sleep,but became restless and exceedingly unq
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Keywords: ., bookcentury1800, bookdecade1850, bookidnaturalistsl, bookyear1851
