WOLF. JACKAL. FOX. 6A 



smooth and generally light coloured, except the face which is 

 black. It does not possess much intelligence and is very heed- 

 less. 



58. The Common Wolf, Canis />;>?/, is another species of 

 the sub-genus dog ; it is easily distinguished from the domestic 

 dog by its tail, which is straight, in place of being recurved, as 

 in the last. Its ears are also straight, ( Plate 3, fig. 2.) and its 

 coat is of a pale red or fawn colour. This animal is the size o, 

 a large dog, and it has the physiognomy of a mastiff; but far 

 from being like the dog, eminently social, he lives almost entirely 

 solitary, in great forests, nor does he unite with his fellows to 

 form troops, except when pressed by hunger. He is very strong, 

 active, adroit, and provided with every thing that is necessary to 

 fit him for the pursuit, attack, and conquest of his prey ; never- 

 theless, he is naturally sluggish and cowardly, and it is only when 

 pressed by hunger, that he braves danger, and dares to attack 

 animals which are under the protection of man, as lambs, sheep, 

 and even dogs. Under the influence of excessive hunger, he 

 commits great ravages. He attacks women and children, and 

 sometimes he is bold enough to fall upon man. He inhabits all 

 Europe. 



59. The Jackal, or Golden Wolf, Canis Jlnnm, which is 

 found in the hot parts of Asia and Africa, in its habits and con- 

 formation, more strongly resembles the domestic dog than the 

 common wolf It permits itself to be tamed. Many naturalists 

 consider the Jackal as the original stock of the dog ; and many 

 commentators suppose that it is the fox of Sampson. 



69. The second group of the genus Dog includes the FOXES 

 These animals have the same dental system as the dog; but 

 possess a larger head, a more pointed muzzle, a longer and 

 more bushy tail, and by day their pupils present the form of a 

 vertical slit. They are nocturnal, burrow in the earth, exhale a 

 foetid odour, and only attack feeble animals. Species are found in 

 all parts of the world. Those of cold countries afford a valuable 

 fur. 



61. The Common Fojf Canis Vulpes, which is spread over 

 all Europe, has a red coat. Every body knows this famous ani- 

 mal through his tricks and cunning. He generally establishes 

 his abode in the edge of a wood, in the neighbourhood of a 

 (arm. If he gains entrance into a poultry yard, he slaughters 



58. What are the characters of the common Wolf? 



59. What is the Jackal ? 



f0. In what particulars do Foxes differ from Dogs? 



6J. What are the habits of ihe common Fox ? On what does it feed? 



Q 



