CANIS BENGALENSIS. 129 



numerous earths, it is not well suited for fox-hounds. It is believed to 

 be subject to rabies when kept in confinement. Mr. Jerdon knew one 

 or two instances of the occurrence of this malady, but they may have 

 been produced by infection. Certainly nothing of the kind has been 

 experienced in our own Zoological Gardens, where several individuals 

 appear to thrive, and one has sat to our artist for its portrait 

 (Plate XXX.). 



This species has been regarded * as " very nearly allied to the Corsac. 

 It is like it in appearance, no -doubt, but in addition to its white-tipped 

 tail, the fact of its not possessing a strong odour is against its specific 

 identity with the Corsac of Central Asia. 



The colour of this species appears to vary considerably according to 

 locality and season. It is generally reddish grey above, with the sides 

 paler, and the outer surface of the limbs rufous, and the lower parts 

 whitish. There is no dark stripe across the shoulders. The ears are 

 externally dark grey, margined with white, and they are whitish within. 

 The lips and cheeks are whitish, the throat is usually white, and there is 

 a narrow dark line running backwards from the eye, and often a dark 

 spot is interposed between the eye and the nose. In winter the body 

 is of a purer grey, whilst the limbs remain rufous externally. The tail 

 is grey or reddish grey, with a well-defined black tip. 



The hairs of the body are each variously coloured, except those of the 

 underparts, which may be entirely white. The hairy coat has on this 

 account that speckled appearance when closely viewed which is so 

 commonly to be met with in the Canida. 



Mr. Blanford f has sometimes found the dorsal fur to be white 

 throughout, except at the tips of the hairs. 



The animal, when freshly killed or alive, is said to weigh from 5J 

 to 8 Ibs. 



Habitat. South of the Himalayas to Cape Comorin. According to 

 Mr. Blanford, who is so excellent an authority, the animal has not been 

 noticed west of Sciride and the Punjaub, nor east of Assam (where it is 

 rare), and he regards its occurrence in Ceylon as very doubtful, while it 

 is unknown in Burmah. 



* Jerdon, op. cit. p. 151. f Op. cit. p. 149. 



o 



