THE FENNEC FOX.
The Fennec Fox is a remarkable little animal found in Nubia and other parts of Northern Africa, where it resides in burrows excavated in the sand. Its body, head included, does not measure more than thirteen inches in length, while its tail, which is very bushy, is about eight inches long. Its head is narrow, with a pointed muzzle. Its eyes are large, and the iris of a deep blue color; the sides of its face are margined by long thick whiskers, while its enormous ears, which are very broad at the base, erect, and pointed, give a very singular appearance. The hair covering the body is of a pale fawn or cream color, shading into white beneath.
Bruce describes the Fennec as being a white Weasel. He had several of these successively in his possession, and says: “They were all known by the name of Fennec, and no other, and said to inhabit the date villages, where they build their nests upon trees.” Of one, which he kept, he tells us: “Though his favorite food seemed to be dates or sweet fruit, yet I observed he was very fond of eggs. Pigeons’ eggs and small Birds’ eggs were first brought him, which he devoured with great avidity, but he did not seem to know how to manage the egg of a hen; when broken for him, however, he seemed to eat it with the same eagerness as the others. When he was hungry, he would eat bread, especially with honey or sugar. It was observable that a Bird, whether confined in a cage near him or flying across a room, engrossed his whole attention. He followed it with his eyes wherever it went, nor was he at this time to be diverted by placing biscuit before him, and it was obvious, by the great interest he seemed to take in its motions, that he was accustomed to watch for victories over it, either for his pleasure or his food. He seemed very much alarmed at the approach of a Cat, and endeavored to hide himself, but showed no symptom of preparing for any defence. He suffered himself, not without some difficulty, to be handled in the day, when he seemed rather inclined to sleep, but was exceedingly restless when night came, always endeavoring to make his escape, and though he did not attempt the wire, yet with his sharp teeth he soon mastered the wood of any common bird-cage.”