OF THE CLASS MAMMALIA. 



259 



the tail, which in the wolf is straight. The wolf has much 

 the air of the cur dog (matin) ; but, unlike that animal, the 

 wolf leads a rather solitary life in the great forests, reuniting 

 in troops only when pressed with hunger. The wolf is agile, 

 adroit, strong, and well adapted for the pursuit, attack, and 

 conquest of his prey ; nevertheless he is naturally slow and 

 cowardly, unless pressed by hunger; he then attacks the 

 domestic animals under man's protection ; women and children, 

 and man himself, do not then escape his ferocity. 



The Chacal, the Loup dore, inhabiting the warm coun- 

 tries of Asia and Africa, more resemble in their habits the 

 domestic dog than the wolf: they may be tamed. 



Fig. 198. The Fox. 



The fox differs from the domestic dog by the form and 

 greater length of the tail, which is tufted ; by the vertical 

 form of the pupil during the day-time, and by the greater 

 comparative size of the head. They are nocturnal, dig bur- 

 rows under ground, have a foetid odour, and attack only small 

 animals. Species of the fox are to be found in all parts of 

 the world. Those of cold countries give a fur which is much 

 sought after. 



All the carnivora of which we have spoken, as well as many 

 others the genette and civet, for example walk on the ball of 

 the toes, the tarsus being raised. Hence the name of digiti- 

 gi-ades ; and to this they owe their upright walk and rapidity. 

 Bears and badgers, in walking, place the entire sole of the 

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