486 THE TASMANIAN WOLF. 
impossibility—the echidna itself, undismayed by its panoply of bayonet-like prickles. The 
deed seems so incredible that it would hardly have been believed, had it not been proved 
beyond doubt by the slaughter and subsequent dissection of a Tasmanian Wolf, in whose 
stomach were found the remains of a half-digested echidna. 
As soon as civilized inhabitants took up their abode in Tasmania, this animal made 
great capital out of the sheep flocks and henroosts, and for some time committed sad 
ravages among them, greatly to the detriment of the colonists. By degrees, however, the 
weapons of the white man prevailed, and the Tasmanian Wolf was driven back from its 
former haunts where it once reigned supreme. Still continuing to prowl round the habi- 
tation of mankind, many individuals of this species were fain to pick up what loose and 
uncertain subsistence they could contrive to appropriate, and, being forced to live in 
copses and jungles, became the representatives of the hyana as well as of the Wolf. 
In the earlier days of the colony, the Tasmanian Wolf was of very frequent 
oceurrence, but is now seldom seen except in the cold and dreary localities where it 
takes up its residence. These animals are found in considerable numbers on the summits 
of the western mountains, at an elevation of nearly four thousand feet above the level of 
the sea, and there thrive, even though their lofty domains are plentifully covered with 
snow. 
The home of the Tasmanian Wolf is always made in some deep recess of the rocks, 
away from the reach of ordinary foes, and so deeply buried in the rocky crevices that it 
is impenetrable to the light of day. In this murky recess the female produces her young, 
which are generally three or four in number, and in its dark cavern the animal spends 
the whole of its day, only venturing from home at night, except under the pressure of 
some extraordinary circumstances. 
As may be seen from the engraving, the feet of the Tasmanian Wolf are so dog-like 
in their nature, that they cannot enable the animal to ascend trees, and as the tail is not 
in the least degree prehensile, it is evident that the creature is not capable of chasing its 
prey among the branches, as is the case with many of the allied animals. 
In size it is about equal to the jackal, being generally about four feet in total length, 
of which measurement the tail occupies some sixteen inches. Some few specimens, how- 
ever, are said to attain a very great size, and to measure nearly six feet in total length. 
Its height at the shoulders is about eighteen or nineteen inches. It is a fierce and most 
determined animal, and if attacked will fight in the most desperate manner. One of these 
animals has been seen standing at bay, surrounded by a number of dogs, and bidding 
them all defiance. Not a single dog dared venture within reach of the teeth of so 
redoubtable a foe. 
As it is a nocturnal animal, it seems little at its ease when in the uncongenial glare 
of daylight, and, probably on account of its eyes being formed for the purpose of nocturnal 
light, is very slow in its movements by day. It always seems to be greatly annoyed by 
too strong a light, and constantly endeavours to relieve itself from the unwelcome glare 
by drawing the nictitating membrane over its eyeballs, after the manner of owls when 
they venture forth by daylight. 
The animal is a very conspicuous one, on account of the peculiar colouring of its fur, 
and the brightly defined stripes which decorate its back. 
The general tint of the fur is a greyish-brown, washed with yellow, each hair being 
brown at its base and yellow towards the point. Along the back runs a series of boldly 
defined stripes, nearly black in their colour, beginning just behind the shoulders and 
ending upon the base of the tail, The number of these stripes is various, being from 
fourteen to seventeen on an average. At the spot where they commence they are very 
short, but lengthen rapidly as they approach the tail, reaching their greatest length over 
the haunches, over which they are drawn to some extent. In many specimens the stripes 
are forked upon the haunches. Towards the tail the stripes again become short, and upon 
the base of the tail are so short that they only cover its upper surface. The under parts 
of the body are grey. The tail is slightly compressed, and gradually tapers to its 
aa Sale The eyes are large and full, and their colour is black. The edge of the upper 
ip is white. 
