A LUGUBRIOUS HOWLER 201 



which have associated with dingoes — hence, in some 

 degree, the variation in the colour of these animals. I 

 have had abundant proof that dingoes entice away domestic 

 dogs at certain seasons, just as " brumbies " (wild horses) 

 entice mares from the stations, and though these dogs 

 almost invariably return to their homes, they leave their 

 mark on their progeny. The howl of the dingo is one of 

 the most lugubrious noises heard in the wilds of Australia. 

 It is seldom uttered during the day-time, but at night, and 

 especially on moonlight nights, it may be heard in the 

 distance for the greater part of the hours when the lone 

 wanderer is most anxious for rest. If they come near 

 the camp, a shot fired at them will send them scampering 

 away ; but if they are a few hundred yards off (quite 

 close enough for five or six of them to be an intolerable 

 nuisance), they take no notice of the sound. I do not 

 know what induces them to set up this howl, but as in 

 districts which they haunt there were generally several 

 near the camp soon after darkness set in, I thought 

 perhaps the smell of food attracted them. 



Dingoes are incorrigible thieves. In the days when 

 they were kept as pets about the stations it was never 

 safe to leave them unwatched. They would do immense 

 mischief to any articles they could destroy, such as curtains 

 and household linen, books and papers, and everything 

 that was tearable ; and perhaps the owner would see his 

 pet meekly blinking on some soft mat or skin, stretched in 

 the graceful attitude of rest as if it had been calmly sleep- 

 ing for the past hour, to find, when he passed on to the 

 side of the house, some dozen or more of his choice breeds 

 of fowls and ducks with their heads nipped off. It is small 

 wonder that the dingo has ceased to be a favourite through- 

 out Australia. 



The dingo is an exceedingly lithe and active animal. 

 It can spring upwards at least four feet from the spot on 

 which it stands. It can run with great speed, and its 

 habitual movements are all performed with a sly, slinking 

 gait, and without the least noise. Those that are in captivity 

 or are half-tamed like to be nursed and carried, and it is 



