CANINE MORALS AND MANNERS. 175 



quires the united efforts of the whole pack, acting intelligently in 

 concert, to pull it down. If a number of wolves or wild dogs 

 were scattered over a district, each acting for himself independ- 

 ently, as cats do, large animals, such as the elk or bison, would be 

 of no use to them as articles of diet, and they might starve in the 

 midst of plenty. But if they combine and act under the guidance 

 of experienced leaders they can at once utilize what would else 

 be, in canine economy, a waste product. 



As has been pointed out, this needful co-operation at once in- 

 volves the elements of politics and morals. The obedience of the 

 young and inexperienced to their leaders, and the observance of 

 certain rules of conduct, are a sine qua non of the success of any 

 strategic combination. 



It follows, therefore, that the young of gregarious animals of 

 all kinds, and especially those of this type, are submissive and 

 teachable, and have thus the very qualities we desire in creatures 

 which are to be trained for our special use. In fact, we have here 

 the natural basis for that docility and readiness to obey which is 

 such a noticeable and invaluable characteristic in dogs as we 

 know them. 



They must also be faithful to their fellows in word and deed. 

 A hound which gives tongue when he has no quarry before him 

 (and such canine liars are not unknown, as any huntsman will 

 testify) may spoil a day's hunt and send the whole pack supper- 

 less to bed. It is interesting and amusing to observe the evident 

 contempt with which the hounds of a pack regard an untruthful 

 member. His failing becomes perfectly well known, and, let him 

 bay as he will, not one of his companions will rush to the spot as 

 they do the moment they hear the slightest whimper from a trusted 

 and experienced finder. 



Loyalty to one another is also a virtue which can not be done 

 without. Thus we see that, however great the emulation between 

 the individual members of the band, while the hunt is on it is kept 

 strictly within bounds, and is subordinated to the common pur- 

 pose. It is only after the game is captured and killed that con- 

 tests of individuals for a share of the plunder commence. The 

 very fact that an invitation is given to join in the pursuit as soon 

 as the quarry is started, instead of the finder stealing off after it 

 on his own account, is an illustration of this ; and if one of the 

 pack is attacked by the hunted animal at bay or by an enemy, his 

 howls and excited outcry are instantly responded to by all within 

 hearing. 



Every one has noticed the uncontrollable power of this instinct 

 when the yells and shrieks of a canine street brawl are heard. 

 Dogs from all sides rush to the spot and immediately take part in 

 the quarrel. The result generally is a confused free fight of a 



