18 WILD AND HALF-RECLAIMED DOGS. 



every species of game, with these dogs, which have good noses and 

 hunt well, and though they are not so high-couraged as our British 

 hounds, yet they often display considerable avidity and determina- 

 tion in " going in " to their formidable opponents. 



THE EKLV, OR WILD AFRICAN DOG. 



The native dogs of Africa are of all colours, black, broA^ni, and 

 yellow, or red ; and they hunt in packs, giving tongue with con- 

 siderable force. Though not exactly wild, they are not owned by 

 any individuals among the inhabitants, who, being mostly Ma- 

 hometans, have an abhorrence of the dog, which by the Koran is 

 declared to be unclean. Hence they are complete outcasts, and 

 obtain a scanty living either by hunting wild animals where they 

 abound, or, in those populous districts where game is scarce, by 

 devouring the ofial which is left in the streets and outskirts of the 

 towns. The Ekia, also called the Deah, is of considerable size, 

 with a large head, small pricked ears, and round muzzle. His 

 aspect in general resembles that of the wolf, excepting in colour, 

 which, as above remarked, varies greatly, and in the tail, which is 

 almost always spotted or variegated. These dogs are extremely 

 savage, probably from the constant abuse which they meet with, 

 and they are always ready to attack a stranger on his entrance 

 into any of the villages of the country. They are revolting animals, 

 and unworthy of the species they belong to. 



