FOXES. 



91 



of their companions should chance to besmear himself with the blood 

 of the prey which has just been hunted down, he is instantly attacked 

 and devoured by the remainder of the pack. 



In their hunting expeditions the Wolves usually unite in bands, 

 larger or smaller in number according to circumstances, and acting 



^» 



The Wolf 



simultaneously for a settled purpose. If they are on the trail of a 

 flying animal, the footsteps of their prey are followed up by one or two 

 of the Wolves, while the remainder of the band take up their positions 

 to the right and left of the leaders, so as to intercept the quarry if it 

 should attempt to turn from its course. Woe be to any animal that is 

 unlucky enough to be chased by a pack of Wolves ! No matter how 

 swift it may be, it will most surely be overtaken at last by the long, 

 slouching, tireless gallop of the Wolves ; and, no matter what may be 

 its strength, it must at last fail under the repeated and constant attacks 

 of the sharp teeth. 



According to some systematic naturalists, the Foxes are placed in 

 the genus Ca7iis, together with the dogs and the wolves. Those em- 

 inent zoologists, however, who have arranged the magnificent collec- 

 tions in the British Museum have decided upon separating the Foxes 

 from the dogs and wolves, and placing them in the genus Vtilpes. To 



