The typical Red Fox and its two subspecies, the Cross Fox, (_Vulpes fulvus decussatus_), and the Black Fox, (_V. f. argentatus_)—the latter many times miscalled the “Silver Fox”—vary in all possible gradations of color from bright red to pure black. Often it is difficult to decide where one type leaves off and another begins. The Cross Fox stands midway between the Red and Black, with some of the yellow color of the former on the sides of the neck and behind the foreleg, while the remainder of the general color is grizzled gray-brown laid across his shoulders in a more or less distinct cross. The Black Fox varies in color from very dark iron-gray to dark brown or black, with a slight wash of white-tipped hairs over the head, body and tail. The tip of the tail is always white, which is the only constant color mark about him. The Swift, or Kit Fox, (_Vulpes velox_), is the daintiest, smallest and liveliest of all American foxes. From his delicate little nose to the tip of his well-trimmed tail, he is every inch a thoroughbred. His countenance is bright and pert, and when several specimens are kept together they are very playful. One striking feature of this little animal is what may well be termed its trimness. When in fair condition, its coat of thick, silvery gray fur is as smooth and even as if recently trimmed by a barber. [Illustration: SWIFT OR KIT FOX.] On the western plains, where it once had for companions the buffalo and prong-horn, the Swift is becoming rare. Its worst enemy is the deadly strychnine bottle of the ranchman. This species does not thrive in the Fox Dens, and it will be found in the Burrowing Animal’s Quarters, where it seems pleased to consider itself at home. In the Small-Mammal House is shown a new species, closely allied to the above, from Phoenix, Arizona, recently described by Dr. C. H. Merriam as _Vulpes macrotis_, or the Large-Eared Swift. The Gray Fox, (_Urocyon virginianus_), is the fox of the South, even though it does range northward well into the territory of the red fox. This species is distinctly smaller and more lightly built than the red, its hair is not so luxuriant, it is more shy and retiring, and its colors change very little. When hotly pursued by dogs it often climbs trees that are quite perpendicular, to a height of twenty feet or more. In captivity Gray Foxes are forever trying to escape by climbing, instead of by burrowing, as would naturally be expected. In temper, they are treacherous to their keepers, and also to each other, and as “pets” are anything but desirable. [Illustration: RED FOX.] The Tasmanian Wolf, or Thylacine, (_Thylacinus cynocephalus_), is a very strange-looking and interesting creature, about the size of a pointer dog. Its color is dark yellowish brown, and it has a series of broad black stripes, or bands, running across its hind quarters and loins. The wide gape of its mouth reminds one of an iguana or a monitor.