i'flE BUANSUAH. 



of tlie wolf when in pursuit of a flying prey. Only at intervals is the voice 

 of the Dhole heard, and even then the animal only utters a low anxious 

 whimper, like that of a dog which has lost its master, or feels uneasy about 

 its task. It is a swift animal in the chase, and Captain Williamson, who 

 has seen it engaged in pursuit of its prey, thinks that no animal could lead 

 the Dhole a long chase. The average number of individuals in the pack is 

 about fifty or sixty. 



The colour of the Dhole is a rich bay, darkening upon the feet, ears, 

 muzzle, and tip of the tail. In height it equals a rather small greyhound. 

 It does not assault human beings unless it be attacked, neither does it seem 

 to fly fl'om them, but, in case of a sudden meeting, pursues its avocations 

 as if unconscious of the presence of an intruder. The countenance of this 

 animal is very bright and intelligent, chiefly ow^ng to the keen and brilliant 

 eye with which it is favoured. 



The Buansuah, presents many points of similarity to the Dhole, and is said to 

 rival the latter creatm-e in its tiger-killing propensities. 



Like the Dhole, it is a shy animal, and never wiUingly pennits itself to be seen, 

 preferring to take up its residence in the thickest coverts which are afforded by the 

 luxuriant vegetation of its native land. It hunts in packs, but, unlike the 

 preceding animal, gives tongue continually as it rims, uttering a curious kind of 

 bark, which is quite distinct from the voice of the domestic Dog, and yet has 

 nothing in common with the prolonged howl of the wolf, the jackal, or the foxes. 



The number of individuals in each pack is not very great, from eight to twelve 

 being the usual average. They are possessed of exquisite powers of scent, and 

 follow their game more by the nose than by the eye. 



When captured young, the Buansuah readily attaches itself to its keeper, and, 

 under his tuition, becomes a valuable assistant in the chase. Unfortunately, the 

 Dog will too often refuse its confidence to any one except its keeper, and therefore 

 it is not so useful as it might otherwise be rendered. It is probable that the 

 keeper himself has some hand in this conduct, and wilfully teaches his charge to 

 repel the advances of any person save himself. 



In the chase of the wild boar, the peculiar character of the Buansuah exhibits 

 itself to great advantage, as its wolf-like attack of sudden snap is more destructive 

 to its prey than the bite of an ordinary hound. 



All the various Dogs which have been brought under the subjection of man 

 are evidently members of one single species, Canis familiaris, being capable ol 

 mixtiu-e to an almost unlimited extent. By means of crossing one variety wdtb 



91 



