THE JACKALS. 211 



Moslem dominions they remain entirely unmolested; 

 but in British India they are occasionally coursed 

 with greyhounds, or hunted with fox-hounds, and 

 leaving a strong scent are readily run down, unless 

 they can regain their earths, or mislead them in the 

 jungles. Nevertheless, when at bay, the Jackal 

 fights so desperately, and his snap is so severe, that 

 it is usual to have them destroyed by terriers. They 

 unite the cunning of foxes, and the energy and 

 combination distinguished in the best trained dogs, 

 with a tenacity of purpose surpassing both. When 

 overpowered by superior force and resistance is 

 vain, they aflfect to be slain, and lie simulating 

 death ; but if they be thrown into water while in 

 this state, they swim immediately. They emit a 

 very offensive smell, not totally obliterated even in 

 a domestic state, when they have been fed for a 

 considerable period on rice, plantains, and other 

 vegetables, as is usually the practice with the 



caution they saw a tiger with his eyes fixed upon them, one 

 fore and one hind foot lifted, and his tail in a straight line be- 

 hind him, evidently in an attitude of attention. Sinking their 

 heads, they made a hasty retreat, but his foot marks were fully 

 traced in the morning. The tales of the Jackal being the lion's 

 provider rest on the practice here mentioned ; what there may 

 be of truth in them should be taken in a reversed sense, for 

 although there is an instinctive impulse in these animals to 

 follow the tiger and lion, uttering a pecuhar cry, which many 

 other manunalia may understand, it is evident that a Jackal 

 would be always ready to feast on the leavings of the royal 

 beast, which with the aid of his fine scent he can always 

 escape. 



