THE JACKAL 177 



refrain and improves upon it; then a third and a 

 fourth, until the whole band has joined in, producing 

 a veritable charivari composed of a mixed chorus 

 of discordant howls. After this musical feat, solos 

 are in order again, interspersed with choral produc- 

 tions; and so it goes on until daybreak. Such is 

 the infernal music that awaits the sleeper every 

 night." 



"Oh, what disagreeable neighbors !" exclaimed 

 Jules. "If the dog had kept any of those detestable 

 habits it would be a very troublesome animal, use- 

 ful though it is." 



"The dog shows not seldom, it must be admitted, 

 a mania for making the night hideous ; but it cannot 

 be reproached with anything comparable to the 

 jackal's concert. The dog has two cries, without 

 counting those that are secondary. One of the two 

 is natural, the howl; the other artificial, the bark. 

 Is it necessary to point out to you the difference be- 

 tween the two!" 



"I know what you mean, Uncle," Jules was quick 

 to reply. ' ' The dog howls when it gives a long, wild 

 cry, so mournful and terrifying in the night ; it barks 

 when it gives those short, jerky yelps. It howls 

 from fright, sadness, ennui; it barks with joy and 

 pleasure." 



"Yes, that is it. I told you, then, that howling is 

 the dog's natural voice. In it can be found, but 

 with a very different action of the throat and a less 

 sharp tone, something of the jackal's cry. As for 

 the bark, it is an artificial utterance ; that is to say, 



