CANIS FAMILIARIS. 173 



same may be said of all the species of Jackals. This being so, it is 

 highly probable that both Wolves and Jackals were for many ages found 

 in the company of man, and that owing to this association the different 

 species of these animals may have bred together and become mixed. 



" A mixed breed would at once develop a new variety. A variety 

 oncecommenced would in all probability, in a few generations, undergo 

 many changes, especially if any well-marked variety should occur. 

 Nothing would Tie more natural than to suppose that the owners of 

 this variety would endeavour to increase its number, especially if it was 

 found to possess useful qualities. ^f / A^**r ,2$v--/ ^ . 4**^ <*4 *%**.* 

 "f hunting led in all probability to the separation of 



Domestic-Bogs into two well-known breeds, yiz., those that hunt by 

 sight, as distinguished from those that hunt by scent ; for there can be 

 no doubt that at a very early period dogs were used in the chase of wild 

 animals. There are plenty of ancient monuments on which there is 

 unmistakable evidence of this fact. The usefulness of dogs being 

 at, g. very early period would naturally lead to great care 

 them, and doubtless to the breeding of them in a 



domestic state. This would lead to the production of the many breeds 

 and varieties that have been developed, and thus varieties may have been 

 perpetuated by the mixing and crossing of breeds originally obtained 

 from distinct wild animals. 



" I have found no difficulty in crossing Wolves and Jackals with 

 Domestic Dogs, when suitably matched. It is a well-known fact that 

 the Esquimaux frequently allows his dogs to breed with wolves, in 

 order to keep up the strength, the power of endurance, and the courage 

 of the race. But as regards Foxes, so far as my experience goes, I 

 have never met with a well-authenticated instance of a hybrid between 

 a fox arid a dog, notwithstanding numerous specimens of supposed 

 hybrids of this sort which from time to time have been brought to my 

 notice. The habits of Wolves and Jackals are so much alike that I am 

 unable to point out any marked differences between them. 



" Domestic Dogs exhibit many of the habits of Wolves and Jackals, 

 such as the scratching up of earth with the front feet, and the pushing 

 back of it with the hind feet, in order to cover up the droppings. 



