1(3 WILD AXD HALF-RECLAIMED DOGS. 



account by those wlio have been much in India. " The dholes are 

 of the size of a small greyhound. Their countenance is enlivened 

 by unusually brilliant eyes. Their body, which is slender and 

 deep-chested, is thinly covered by a coat of hair of a reddish brown 

 or bay colour. The tail is dark towards its extremity. The limbs 

 are light, compact, and strong, and equally calculated for speed 

 and povfer. They resemble many of the common pariah dogs in 

 form, but the singularity of their colour and marks at once de- 

 monstrate an evident distinction. These dogs are said to be 

 perfectly harmless if unmolested. They do not willingly approach 

 persons, but, if they chance to meet any in their course, they do 

 not show any particular anxiety to escape. They view the human 

 race rather as objects of curiosity than either of apprehension 

 or enmity. The natives who reside near the Ranochitty and 

 Katcunsandy passes, in which vicinity the dholes may frequently 

 be seen, describe them as confining their attacks entirely to wild 

 animals, and assert that they will not prey on sheep, goats, &c. ; 

 but others, in the country extending southward from Jelinah and 

 Mechungunge, maintain that cattle are frequently lost by their de- 

 predations. I am inclined to believe that the dhole is not parti- 

 cularly ceremonious, but will, when opportunity offers, and a meal 

 is wanting, obtain it at the expense of the neighbouring village. 



" The peasants likewise state that the dhole is eager in propor- 

 tion to the animal he hunts, preferring the elk to any other kind 

 of deer, and particularly seeking the royal tiger. It is probable 

 that the dhole is the principal check on the multiplication of the 

 tiger ; and although incapable individually, or perhaps in small 



