498 



THE CARNIVORES 



which respect they are markedly different from both the civets ancithe coatis. The 

 general coloration of the dogs varies from gray to a yellowish or reddish brown; the 

 upper part of the head and back, as well .as some portions of the limbs, being gener- 

 ally darker than the flanks, while the under parts are paler. The outer surfaces of 

 the ears may be distinctly colored, and there is often a dark mark between the 

 eye and the nose, and another near the tail ; but, as a rule, stripes or patches differ- 

 ing in hue from the ground color of the fur are absent, or ill defined. In spite, 

 however of this general uniformity of coloration, many of the species are subject to- 

 an extraordinary amount of either individual or seasonal variation, both m respect 

 to color, and also as regards the length of their fur. In consequence of such varia- 

 tions much uncertainty has prevailed as to the number of species. Professor Mivart 

 gives the probable number as thirty-five, but he reckons a few forms which other 

 writers do not consider entitled to rank as more than varieties, while some of the 



forms which he con- 

 siders to be varieties 

 are regarded as spe- 

 cies by others. The 

 total number may, 

 therefore, be roughly 

 estimated at a little 

 below forty. 



As regards the 

 seasonal and indi- 

 vidual variation in 

 the coloration of dogs, 

 it may be observed 

 that the hue of the 

 fur is generally 

 lighter in winter 

 than in summer; this, 

 difference attaining 



its maximum in the Arctic fox, of which the usual winter pelage is pure white. 

 Then again, among those species or races inhabiting high latitudes or mountains, 

 the fur is considerably longer in winter than in summer. Moreover, as with the 

 cats, some species show more or less marked tendencies to the development of black 

 individuals. Again, and especially among the foxes, the color of different individuals 

 or races of a single species may vary from a grayish, through a yellowish, to a reddish 

 tinge ; while, if the general color remains the same, there may be darker or lighter 

 shades. Added to these variations in the coloration and length of the fur, there may 

 also be a large amount of individual difference in point of size in the same species. 



A peculiar characteristic of many dogs, and one in which they differ markedly 

 from the cats, is their habit of associating in large packs for the purpose of hunting 

 their prey. In general, such prey is pursued chiefly or entirely by the aid of smell, 

 which attains an extraordinary development in some members of the group. This 

 keen perception of scent is not, however, accompanied by any deficiencies in the 



SKELETON OF WOI.F. 



