FAMILY CANID^J; WOLF, DOG, JACKAL, FOX. 221 



greatest determination. Its strength is very great, especially in 

 the muscles of the head, neck, and shoulders ; and its bite very 

 severe. Its capability of being domesticated has been already 

 noticed. Several distinct species of Wolves are found in different 

 parts of the globe, especially in America ; they vary somewhat 

 in size and power, and in the degree of predominance of the cun- 

 ning or of the ferocity of their characters ; but their general 

 habits are much the same as those of the common Wolf. 



196. Of the Dog, it is unnecessary (after what has been 

 already said) to give any Zoological description ; an account of 

 its varieties or breeds would not fall within the province of this 

 work ; and instances of its sagacity and reasoning power will be 

 more properly given in the last division of this Treatise. We 

 shall therefore pass on to notice briefly some other species of this 

 family. The Jackal is somewhat intermediate in its character 

 between the Wolf and the Fox ; resembling the former in its 

 habits, and the latter in its appearance. It associates in troops, 

 which lie concealed in holes during the day, and which come 

 forth at night with dismal shrieks, attacking any animals they 

 are capable of overcoming. It feeds greedily also upon carrion 

 and offal of every description ; and is thus of service in removing 

 what has been left by other beasts of prey. The Common 

 Jackal has a range from the North of Africa, through Syria, 

 Persia, and the greater part of India; and other species are 

 found in the middle and South of Africa, where they may be 

 considered as replacing the Wolf. The Fox is chiefly charac- 

 terised by its sharp muzzle and long bushy tail ; as well as by 

 the cunning of its character, which has passed into a proverb. 

 The common species is an inhabitant of most parts of Europe, 

 as well as of Britain ; and extends also into Northern Asia. 

 Its senses are extremely acute, so as alike to inform it of the 

 neighbourhood of its prey, and to warn it of the approach of 

 danger. It usually remains concealed during the day, in a bur- 

 row which it has either made for itself, or usurped ; and ventures 

 abroad chiefly at night, with stealthy movements, in search of 

 food. Though slightly made, the Fox has great muscular vigour, 

 and bites with much severity. Even when taken at a very 



