143 



M A M M A L I A — J A C K A L . 



tracks of different size were observed about the trap. This procedure would 

 seem to be the result of a faculty beyond mere instinct. 



" This trap proving useless, another was constructed in a different part 

 of the country, formed like a large cage, through which the animals might 

 enter, but not return ; this was equally unsuccessful; the wolves attempted 

 in vain to get at the bait, as they would not enter by the route prepared fot 

 them. A large double ' steel trap' was next tried ; this was profusely 

 baited, and the whole, with the exception of the bait, was carefully concealed 

 beneath the fallen leaves. This was also unsuccessful. Tracks of the 

 anticipated victims were next day observed to be impressed in numbers on 

 the earth near the spot, but still the trap with its seductive charge remained 

 untouched. The bait was then removed from the trap, and suspended over 

 it from the branch of a tree ; several pieces of meat were also suspended in 

 a similar manner from trees in the vicinity. The following morning the 

 bait over the trap alone remained. Supposing that their exquisite sense of 

 smell warned them of the position of the trap, it was removed and then 

 covered with leaves, and the baits being disposed as before, the leaves to a 

 considerable distance around were burned ; and the trap remained perfectly 

 concealed by ashes ; still the bait over the trap was avoided. It was not 

 until a log trap was used that an individual of this species was caught. 

 This log trap is made by raising one log above another at one end by means 

 of an upright stick, which rests upon a rounded horizontal trigger on the 

 lower log." — Godman. 



THE J A C K A L i 



Is one of the commonest wild animals in the east, yet there is scarcely any 

 one less known in Europe, or more confusedly described by naturalists. It 



1 ' '. aureus, L;n. 



