254 



BRANCH VERTEBRATA. 



FIG. 441. 



the tall grass. The Dog attains maturity in two years, 



and lives from fifteen to 

 twenty. 



The Jackal derives its 

 specific name from the 

 golden tint of its pelt. 

 Like the Wolf, it hunts in 

 bands ; but it associates 

 more intimately with man, 

 acting the scavenger in 



jackal. 



consuming the street offal 

 in the filthy towns of Eastern Europe and Western Asia.* 

 The Fox is mostly nocturnal, springing upon its prey 

 as it passes by, or stealing upon it while asleep. Its 



FIG. 442. 



Vul'pes vulga'ris. Fox. ( T ' 5 .) 



dentition is calculated fcr a mixed diet, so that mam- 

 mals, birds, mollusks, and even grapes, furnish a dainty 



istics of Wolves. Hence, with Pritchard, we conclude, "As with the race of man, 

 so with the race of dogs, the varieties have become permanent from one original 

 pair." It is, however, a mooted question. 



* In uninhabited regions, it often feeds upon the remnants of carcasses left 

 by lions, and hence the absurd idea that it is the companion of that beast, and 

 runs down his prey for him. 



