CANIS. 123 
former, which not only affect the external contour but to a still 
greater degree the shape of the anterior part of the cranial cavity. 
It is to the first of these series that the Australian species belongs. 
Thooid forms are not found in Africa or South America. 
Family IL—CANID. 
Characters similar to those of the Group of which this is the 
only family. 
Genus I.—CANIS, Linneeus (1766). 
Pupil, when contracted, round in some species, elliptical and 
vertical in others. Limbs of moderate proportions. Tail gener- 
ally forming a moderate brush. Mamme generally ten, more 
rarely eight. Teeth powerful. 
Dentition.—I. 4, C.i, P. 4, M.% x 2 = 42. 
Flower and Lydekker (Introduction to the Study of Mammals 
living and extinct, p. 546) remark: ‘‘The absence of the last 
upper molar (m *) alone distinguishes this from the generalised 
dentition of heterodonts, and this tooth is occasionally present in 
one species (C. cancrivorus). In certain Asiatic species (C. 
primevus and its allies) which on this account have been separated 
to form the genus Cyon of Hodgson, the last lower molar (m ,) 
appears to be constantly absent.” The first permanent premolar 
in both jaws is without a milk-predecessor, and in the upper jaw 
is decidedly smaller than the second. 
Distribution.—Cosmopolitan. 
1. Canis pinco, Blumenbach (1780). 
Warrigal; Dingo; Native Dog. 
Of this too well known animal it is hardly necessary to give a 
description, more especially as it is the only terrestrial Carnivore 
existing in a wild state on Australian soil; nevertheless, the 
remarks of Prof. St. George Mivart on the subject may be suitably 
reproduced here. He writes :— 
“The Dingo varies in its coloration from red to black. There 
is a grayish underfur, but, save in the black variety, the long 
hairs are generally yellow or whitish. The top of the head and 
dorsal region generally are of a darker reddish-yellow, often 
intermixed with black. The underparts are paler and may be 
whiteish. The end of the tail is very often white, as are frequently 
