131 



THE HARE-INDIAN DOG, 



Canis lagopus, Richardson. 



This kind is clearly of American origin, and be- 

 longs exclusively to the race of man of the western 

 continent. At the first glance, we recognise in the 

 aspect an affinity with the Dusicyon group, before 

 described ; and, in particular, with those Canidce, 

 ■which may hereafter form a more distinct section, 

 under the name of Cynalopecides. A specimen of 

 this race was found by Dr. Richardson on the Mac- 

 kenzie River ; and he describes it as small in size, 

 with a slender make ; having a large foot ; a nar- 

 row, elongated, and pointed muzzle ; ears broad at 

 the base, shaqj at the tip, and perfectly erect ; the 

 legs rather long and slender; and the tail, thick 

 and bushy, is slightly curved upwards ; the body is 

 covered with long straight hair, in colour white, with 

 clouds of blackish ash and brown intermixed ; the 

 ears outside brown, white within; the feet are 

 clothed with fur, and spreading the toes to some 

 breadth. These animals run upon the snow when 

 heavier game sink in. A pair is now in the Zoolo- 

 gical Gardens, where they are gentle and confident. 

 In their native land they never baik. 



