The silver fox is a melanistic form of the red fox (Vulpes vulpes [Here as Canis fulvus]). Silver foxes display a great deal of pelt variation. Some are completely glossy black except for a white colouration on the tip of the tail, giving them a somewhat silvery appearance. Some silver foxes are bluish-grey, and some may have a cinereous colour on the sides. From the Book Dogs, Jackals, Wolves and Foxes A Monograph of The Canidae [from Latin, canis, "dog") is a biological family of dog-like carnivorans. A member of this family is called a canid] By George Mivart, F.R.S. with woodcuts and 45 coloured plates drawn from nature by J. G. Keulemans and Hand-Coloured. Published by R. H. Porter, London, 1890