88 



THE JACKAL. 



tion, and as brave as any of its congeners, except that epitome of 

 courao-e, the bull-dog. Sometimes, though not frequently, it is em. 



^s^^^ 



Smooth am) bcouji Tlrkiers [Canis familiaris). 



ployed for sporting purposes, and is said to pursue that vocation 

 with great credit. 



There are several species of the Jackal, one of which will be noticed 

 and figured in this work. 



The Common Jackal — or Kholah, as it is termed by the natives — 

 is an inhabitant of India, Ceylon, and neighboring countries, where it is 

 found in very great numbers, forcing itself upon the notice of the trav- 

 eller not only by its bodily presence, but by its noisy howding, where- 

 with it vexes the ears of the wearied and sleepy wayfarer as he en- 

 deavors in vain to find repose. Nocturnal in their habits, the Jackals 

 are accustomed to conceal themselves as much as possible during the 

 daytime, and to issue out on their hunting expeditions together with 

 the advent of night. 



Always ready to take advantage of every favorable opportunity, the 

 Jackal is a sad parasite, and hangs on the skirts of the larger carnivora 

 as they roam the country for prey, in the hope of securing some share 

 of the creatures which they destroy or wound. On account of this 

 companionship between the large and small marauders, the Jackal 

 has popularly gained the name of the Lion's Provider. But, in due 

 justice, the title ought to be reversed, for the lion is in truth the Jackal's 

 provider, and is often thereby deprived of the chance of making a 



