THE PARIAH. 17 



numbers, to effect the destruction of so large and ferocious an 

 animal, may, from their custom of hunting in packs, easily over- 

 come any smaller beast found in the wilds of India." Unlike 

 most dogs which hunt in packs, the dholes run nearly mute, utter- 

 ing only occasionally a slight whimper, which may serve to guide 

 their companions equally well with the more sonorous tongues of 

 other hounds. The speed and endurance of these dogs are so great 

 as to enable them to run down most of the varieties of game which 

 depend upon flight for safety, while the tiger, the elk, and the 

 boar diminish the numbers of these animals by making an 

 obstinate defence with their teeth, claws, or horns, so that the 

 breed of dholes is not on the increase. 



THE PARIAH. 



This is the general name in India for the half-reclaimed dogs 

 which swarm in every village, owned by no one in particular, but 

 ready to accompany any individual on a hvmting excursion. They 

 vary in appearance in different districts, and cannot be described 

 very particularly ; but the type of the pariah may be said to 

 resemble the dhole in general characteristics, and the breed is most 

 probably a cross with that dog and any accidental varieties of 

 domesticated dogs which may have been introduced into the respect- 

 ive localities. They are almost always of a reddish brown colour, 

 very thin and gaunt, with pricked ears, deep chest, and tucked up 

 belly. The native Indians hunt the tiger and wild boar, as well as 



