THE INDIAN WOLF 503 



fifty fierce and hungry wolves, when in reality there was but one, and (as its tracks 

 afterward proved) that was on the further side of a lake a couple of miles away. 

 By association with domestic dogs, wolves will soon learn to bark. They will breed 

 freely with the larger kinds of domesticated dogs ; and it is stated that some of the 

 Indians in the north of America improve the breed of the sleighing dogs by crossing 

 with the wolf. 



The endurance of the wolf 's gallop has become proverbial. "When pursued 

 "by wolves," writes Mr. Lett, "deer make for the nearest water, in which they have 

 a chance to escape, being able to swim much faster than their enemies. Should the 

 river or lake be narrow, the deer generally swim either up or down, seldom straight 

 across ; frequently landing, after a detour, on the same side in which they entered 

 the water. By this means the wolves are puzzled and put off the scent. If there 

 are thick weeds or bush along the shore, the deer frequently sinks his body under 

 water, so that no part will appear above the surface but his head, and by this 

 means is enabled to evade the cunning of his pursuers. ' ' The wolf displays re- 

 markable caution in avoiding all kinds of traps set for his destruction ; and when 

 he is caught will frequently feign death in the hope of being able to escape. 



Fossil remains of the wolf occur in the caverns and superficial deposits of Eng- 

 land and the Continent ; the earliest horizon from which they have been obtained 

 in this country being the so-called forest-bed of the Eastern Coast, which antedates 

 the glacial period. 



THE INDIAN WOLF ( Cam's pallipes) 



As already mentioned, there has been much discussion as to whether the 

 Indian wolf is distinct from the common species. According to Mr. Blanford, it 

 is distinguished from the common wolf by its smaller size and slighter build, as well 

 as by its shorter fur, which has little or no woolly under-fur. The length is about 

 three feet, exclusive of the tail ; and the general color of the fur is a grayish fulvous, 

 usually with a brownish tinge, and sometimes with more or less black on the back. 

 Occasionally, however, a more or less strongly marked rufous tint may be observed. 

 Mr. Blanford states that all the skins that have come under his notice are browner 

 than is usually the case with the common wolf, and are of an earthy-gray color. 



The Indian wolf is confined to India, south of the Himalayas. It is rare in 

 Lower Bengal, and unknown on the Malabar coast ; and it appears to be replaced 

 by the common species to the west of the Indus, although a few examples are oc- 

 casionally seen in the Trans-Indus districts. The young are born in holes or caves 

 among rocks during the months of October, November, and December, the number 

 in a litter varying from three to eight. 



Its habits are very similar to those of the common species ; but, although 

 somewhat gregarious, these wolves do not associate in large packs, six or eight 

 being the largest number that have been seen together. Moreover, it appears to be 

 a rather silent animal, rarely, if ever, howling like the common wolf, but, according 

 to Jerdon, sometimes barking like a pariah dog. Its food includes such Mammals 

 and birds as it can kill, but sheep, goats, and antelopes appear to be the chief favor- 



