Page:The Zoologist, 1st series, vol 4 (1846).djvu/37

Rh are there which we cannot trace to these, — Hound, Mastiff, Spitz, Greyhound, Poodle, Terrier ? If indeed the Poodle be not a cross between Spitz and Hound. Now, whether these were originally distinct species or not is a matter of great uncertainty. Whether the Spitz is derived from a Wolf, the Greyhound from the Indian Dhole, and the others from other Canidae is a question which cannot be set at rest till we know more about the conditions under which hybrids are prolific. What difficulty is there in supposing that dogs were originally attached to man by the Creator, and distributed as his companions when the human race was dispersed, and this to each as he had need ? One sort to one, one to another, and yet fitted to combine into other forms as increased necessities demanded. This is but a mere speculation, it cannot be more, but there is nothing in it inconsistent with the care which the Almighty takes for his creatures. Man was to subdue the earth, and the fear of him, and the dread of him was to be upon every beast of the earth. And what more efficient aid could he have in subduing the earth than the most noble of brutes, who, even now is such a powerful assistance to him. — H.T. Frere; Aylsham, Norfolk, November, 6. 1845.

On the varieties of the common Fox. — A notion prevails here, which 1 am pretty sure is correct, that in our covers are three distinct kinds of foxes, which are known to country people by the names of greyhound fox, common fox, and little red fox. Most people who have hunted with fox-hounds, and had opportunities of observing these animals, cannot fail to have observed the great difference which exists between different individuals of them, as regards their form, colours, speed and manners, and I think there are very few who would not, at first sight, pronounce them distinct spe- cies. Naturalists, however, appear to regard them as only varieties, and certainly we must yield in opinion to those who have, like them, the best opportunities of ascer- taining the fact. The subject, however, appears to me as if it would repay further investigation, and I leave it in the hands of those who have more ample opportunities than myself of examining it thoroughly. Pennant evidently considers them as only varieties. Bell omits all mention of them, and Mr. Newman (Zool. ) alludes to

them as "well-marked varieties, which most sportsmen call species." This latter part of our editor's observation is strictly true ; sportsmen certainly consider them species. The three kinds which exist in this neighbourhood are

1st. The Common Fox. Too well known to require description.

2nd. Greyhound Fox. The outline of his form resembles that of a greyhound dog ; he is larger in size, longer on the legs, more slender in form, and of swifter speed than the common fox, generally giving more enduring and faster chases. I have known one of these animals run four hours before hounds, and he generally leaves the cover in dashing style. In colour he resembles the common fox, but has almost invariably some grisley or silver hairs in his coat. His head is large and sharp- looking, rather broad across the cheeks, ears broad and large, nose thin and pointed, and the jet black hairs growing from the upper jaw are some of them three inches in length. There are, every season, several of these foxes in Charnwood Forest, and the head of one killed from that locality measured as follows : Length of the head, measuring from between the ears to the tip of the nose, 7½ inches. Space between the ears, Scinches. Length of the ears, 3½ inches. Ears tipped with black. Cir- cumference of the cheeks, measured just below the ears, 16 inches. Space between the eyes, 2½ inches.

Little Red Fox. This is an animal of much smaller dimensions than the com- mon fox, and although I have seen several killed before hounds, I have never had an