CANIS DINGO. 155 



disposition. ... I may cite the facility with which the natives bring it 

 under subjection, and the parti-colouring of its hairy coat ; for although 

 the normal colouring is red or reddish sand-colour, black or black and 

 white individuals are not unfrequently seen." That this is not a modern 

 result of cross-breeding is shown by the fact (also referred to by Gould) 

 that before 1798 they were observed as of two colours, red or black*. 

 Mr. Gilbert is also referred to by Mr. Gould as reporting the varied 

 colours of the Dingoes of Western Australia. 



That, nevertheless, the animal has been for a very long time an 

 inhabitant of the Australian continent is shown by the fact that its 

 remains have been found in a fossil state, as we mention in detail 

 below. 



The Dingo is a most destructive animal to sheep, biting and destroying 

 in savage fury to a degree far exceeding its requirements with respect 

 to food. It is also extremely destructive to poultry, and has often 

 shown itself, when more or less domesticated, incorrigible in that 

 matter. 



Naturally it never barks, but like wolves and jackals learns to do so 

 in confinement from hearing other dogs bark. 



In 1861 the Dingo was to be met with in all the thick forests, 

 deeply-scrubbed gullies, in belts of timber bordering on the large plains 

 throughout the country f. Shy and retired in its habits, it is rarely 

 seen by day. 



The most recent account of this animal we have met with gives us j 

 the following information : " I at once set out to find a Dingo suitable 

 for my next expedition ; this was a very difficult matter, for the Dingoes 

 are much more rare here than farther south in Australia, where natives 

 can be seen followed by ten or twelve dogs, which are of different 

 breeds, for the Dingoes of the natives quickly mix with the shepherd-dogs, 



* See ' An Account of the English Colony of New South Wales,' by David Collins, 

 p. 567 (1798). 



t ' Bush- Wanderings of a Naturalist,' p. 35 (London : Kentledge, Warne, and 

 Eoutledge, 1861). 



t See ' Among Cannibals,' by Carl Lumholtz, p. 178 (1889). 



/. e. in Queensland, having been so greatly destroyed by Europeans. 



