254 THE BUANSUAH. 
down and destroy their prey in like manner. But the Dhole is apparently the only 
animal that, although individually so far the inferior of its fierce prey, in size, strength, 
and activity, has sufficient confidence in its united powers, to chase and kill the terrible 
tiger, mauere his fangs and claws. 
~ From the observations which have been made, it seems that hardly any native Indian 
animal, with the exception of the elephant and the rhinoceros, can cope with the Dhole; 
that the fierce boar falls a victim, in spite of his sharp tusks, and that the swift-footed 
deer fails to escape these persevering animals. The leopard is tolerably safe, because the 
does cannot follow their spotted quarry among the tree branches, in which he fortifies him- 
self from their attacks ; but if he were deprived of lis arboreal refuge, he would run but 
a poor chance of escaping with life from the foe. It is true that, in their attack upon so 
PONE a armed animals as the tiger and the boar, the pack is rapidly thinned by the 
swift blows of the tiger's paw, or the re peated stabs of the boar’s tusks ; but the courage 
of the survivors is so great, and they leap on their prey with such audacity, that it surely 
yields at last from sheer weariness and loss of blood. 
It is probable that the sanguinary contests which often take place between the Dholes 
and their prey have a great effect in checking the increase of the former animals, and that, 
if such salutary influence were not at work, these bold and persevering hunters might 
increase to such an extent as to become a serious pest to the country. 
In the chase, the Dhole is nearly silent, thus affording a strong contrast to the cheerful 
tongue of the foxhound in “ full cry,” or the appalling ‘howl of the wolf when in pursuit 
of a flying prey. Only at intervals is the voice of the Dhole heard, and even then the 
animal oniy 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 
along 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 from 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 owmg to the keen and 
brilliant eye with which it is favoured. The Greek word “Cuon” signifies a hound, 
Ty the Wild Dog, which ranges Nepal and the whole of Northern India, the primitive 
type of the Dog was thought to be found. This animal, the BUANSUAH, presents many 
pots of similarity to the Dhole, and is said to rival the latter creature in its tiger-killing 
propensities. 
Like the Dhole, it is a shy animal, and never willingly permits itself to be seen, 
preferring to take up its residence in the thickest coverts which are afforded by the lixu- 
riant vegetation of its native land. It hunts in packs, but, unhke the preceding animal, 
gives tongue continually as it runs, 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 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 wolt-like attack of sudden snap is more destructive to its prey than 
the bite of an ordinary hound. For other game this creature is but an uncertain assistant, 
