118 



THE FERAL DOGS. 



Canes feri. 



Under the above designation, we mean to notice 

 domestic dogs which have regained their Uberty, and 

 subsisting entirely upon their OAvn inteUigence for 

 many generations, have resumed the greater part, 

 if not all the characteristics, which it may be sup- 

 posed they possessed before their former subjuga- 

 tion. Having already described species aborigine 

 wild, those fairly amenable to the present group are 

 reduced to but few varieties. The first we have to 

 mention is the 



Feral Dog of Natolia. Ictinus of the ancients ? 

 This race is nearly equal to the local wolf in size, 

 and resembles the shepherds-dog of the country, but 

 has a tail more like a brush, the muzzle more 

 pointed, and the colours of the fur rufous-grey, not 

 unlike both the former, yet easily distinguishable. 

 Unlike the wolf, they hunt in open day, running 

 in packs of ten or twelve ; they do not molest man, 

 but, when attacked, they show an audacity which 

 wolves never manifest. In 1810, the son of a lady 

 of om- acquaintance, in company with a brother 

 Midshipman of H. 31. ship Spartan, went on shore 

 to the plain of Troy, attended by guides of the 



