SECTION IT. THOUS. 



THE THOA WILD DOGS. 



The Thoan group represents in form the wolf on a 

 reduced scale; being only somewhat larger than 

 jackals, but differing from them in manners and 

 livery. They do not burrow^ and are marked on 

 the back by black and white colours, contrasting; 

 into Ihies, chequers, pencils, or stipples ; the rest of 

 the fur being in general ochry or buff. The Thoas 

 likewise emit little or no offensive odour, are not 

 gregarious, and do not howl in concert; nor are 

 they Warners on the approach of the great felinae, 

 as jackals certainly are wont to do. The interme- 

 diate position of the group is illustrated by the 

 component species being alternately classed among 

 wolves, jackals, and foxes. Aristotle, we think, had 

 in view the typical species, Canis anthus (F. Cuv.), 

 when he remarks that the Egyptian wolves were 

 smaller than those of Greece. In Guldenstaedt's 

 notice of jackals, he appears to confound some spe- 

 cies of Thous with others of our group Sacalius. 

 Mons. F. Cuvier, after remarking the difference 

 between individuals of each section which bred to- 

 gether in captivity, retains them in the series of hia 



