THE PRAIRIE WOLF. 253 



deep black at the tip. Full-grown, it measures about four feet and a 

 half Thii.' wolf is found on the plains of the West, where it is 

 erroneously called the Coyote. 



The Prairie Wolf digs its burrow upon the prairies or some slight 

 elevation, to prevent them from being filled with water. These dens 

 have several entrances, like those of the Red Fox. Their howl resem- 

 bles so closely the bark of a dog, that they deserve their alias of " Bark- 

 ing Wolves." They display considerable intelligence, and no sooner is 

 the report of a gun heard than they all assemble around the hunter in 

 anticipation of a meal. They are always found on the outskirts of the 

 herds of buffaloes, and pick up a subsistence by assailing the weak or 

 wounded members of the herd. In captivity the animal displays all the 

 qualities of the common dog; it knows its master, wags its tail, and leaps 

 up in joy at his approach ; like a dog, it shows a quick understanding of 

 different sounds and words — shrinking when spoken roughly to, and 

 being moved to lamentable howls if addressed in a melancholy tone: 



THE COYOTE. 



The Coyote, Canis ochropus (Plate XV 11), is seldom seen except in 

 Texas and Mexico. It is a miserable little cur of an animal, scarcely 

 larger than a fox, and is sometimes called the " Indian Fox." It has a 

 wolfish head, large eyes, small sharp ears, a long, black, slender muzzle, 

 and a very rough, thick tail. 



THE SOUTH AMERICAN WOLVES. 



The Aguarachay, Canis Azarce, is a real link between the jackal and 

 the fox. This species is found from the Equator to Patagonia, from the 

 Atlantic to the Pacific. It is said to follow the jaguar as the jackal fol- 

 lows the lion, and to devour what the more powerful animal has left. 

 When hunting by itself it shows great cunning, making long circuits till 

 it comes near an unsuspecting victim, and prowling around the farm- 

 yards even by day ; it causes great damage, not only to the poultry but 

 to the sugar-canes, which it bites off close to the root — the place vi^hich, 

 its experience tells it, contains most sugar. 



It is, when caught young, easily tamed, learning to know its master 

 and answer to its name, and assisting him in the chase, in which it ex- 

 hibits great keenness of smell and remarkable perseverance. 



