58 THE CAEASISSI. 



skins of tliis species, which well exemplify its variability ; for there are 

 transitional forms which appear to bridge over differences between the 

 darkest and the palest, the greyest arid the reddest of the number. 



We have selected for illustration (Plate XV.) one from Gozo which 

 well shows the hues of that variety in which the coloration is somewhat 

 intense. It is probable that later researches and more abundant 

 collections will show that variations in colour go either with seasonal 

 or local differences, or both ; we have as yet, however, no direct 

 evidence on these points with regard to the Carasissi. 



The animal ranges through the forests and bushy plains of America, 

 from the Orinoco down to the La Plata, but does not extend into the 

 Pampas. It feeds on small animals, such as agoutis and pacas, on 

 birds, and also upon crayfish (whence its English name), and it will 

 also partake of vegetable food. Mr. Schomburgk was assured by 

 Indians that packs of these animals would run down deer. In his 

 account of the expedition he made to Guiana he tells us that, when 

 marching early one morning, he frequently observed a number of foot- 

 prints, like those of a dog, on the sandy path leading to a native village. 

 His Indian companions assured him that they had been made the 

 night before by a pack of Carasissi (the native name of C. cancrivorus) 

 in search of fowls ; and on entering the village the gestures and exclama- 

 tions of the squaws proved both the truth of the assurance he had 

 received and the considerable amount of damage the unwelcome visitors 

 had caused. At the time of his visit (1839) they were abundant in the 

 wilder inland parts, though they had grown scarce in the neighbour- 

 hood of the sea-coast. They pursue their prey by the eye in the open 

 country, but in the woods follow it readily by scent. Mongrels between 

 this animal and the domestic dog were much prized by the Indians as 

 being excellent hunters. Mr. Schomburgk purchased a young one 

 which he considered to be about three weeks old, and it was darker in 

 colour than the adult individuals he saw. He fed it on boiled yams, 

 plantains, and fish, but it appeared to prefer plantains. It would follow 

 those who fed it, as a dog would. When angry it would growl like a 

 puppy, and emit a harsh grating sound as if in pain. 



Amongst what appear to us to be varieties of this species we must 



