LALANDES DOG 



579 



of the cusp found on the inner side of the blade in all other dogs ; while the heel of 

 the same tooth, instead of being broad and adapted for grinding, is brought to a 

 sharp cutting edge. These features indicate that the bush-dog is a more specialized 

 animal than the other members of the family. 



But little is known of the habits of the bush-dog in the wild state, as it is but 

 seldom seen, and is probably nocturnal. We are informed, however, that these 

 animals are, for their size, very fierce, and hunt in packs. They are found only in the 

 interior of the countries they inhabit ; and are said to take readily to the water. A 

 specimen kept in captivity was very indiscriminate in its feeding, but preferred animal 



LALANDE'S DOG. 

 (One-eighth natural size.) 



to vegetable substances. Fossil remains of the bush-dog are found in the caverns of 

 Brazil, in company with those of a host of strange animals long since passed away. 



I,AI,ANDE'S DOG (Otocyon megalotis} 



As the bush-dog is remarkable for the diminution in the number of its teeth, so 

 the long-eared, or Lalande's dog, is peculiar in that it has more than the ordinary 

 complement of these organs. Thus, while in the lower jaw this animal has invar- 

 iably four molar teeth, or one more than in any other member of the family, in the 



