THE JACKALS. 209 



is not as yet ascertained ; they occupy the greatest 

 geographical range of all the wild canines known. 

 Although not common in remote antiquity, it is 

 likely that, after the wars of the Romans in the 

 east they became more abundant, and were then, 

 it seems, partially noticed in the confused relation 

 given of the Thoes by ^lian, where he assumes, 

 that the impudence which caused them not to shun 

 man, was an indication of their love and respect for 

 human beings.* 



Jackals form a group of crepuscular and nocturnal 

 canines, never voluntarily abroad before dusk, and 

 then hunting for prey during the whole night; 

 entering the streets of towns to seek for offals ; 

 robbing the hen-roosts ; entering Outhouses ; exa- 

 mining doors and windows ; feasting upon all 

 dressed vegetables and ill-secured provisions ; de- 

 vouring all the carrion they find exposed, and 

 digging their way into sepulchres that are not 

 carefully protected against their activity and vo- 

 raciousness; and, in the fruit season, in common 

 with foxes, seeking the vineyards and fattening 



* " Thoa dicunt esse animal humanissimum, prsecipueque 

 homini amicum et si forte in hominem incident revereri, ao 

 velut observantes venerari ; amplius si a fens aJiis circmnven- > 

 turn senserit, turn vero occiUTere protinus, opitularique pro 

 viribus." This description shows the readiness of the animals 

 to watch mankind, and to be present where they hope to share 

 the spoils. Still, while no mention is made of tl^ir incessant 

 howUng, there is a doubt whether it be not applicable to Thous 

 iwmon or to a Chaon, such as Chryseus aureus, or even to a feral 

 dog, now even not uncommon in Natolia. 







