494 



CARNIVORES. 



which respect they are markedly different from both the civets and the coatis. 

 The general coloration of the dogs varies from grey to a yellowish or reddish- 

 brown ; the upper-part of the head and back, as well as some portions of the limbs, 

 being generally darker than the flanks, while the under-parts are paler. The outer 

 surfaces of the ears may be distinctively coloured, and there is often a dark mark 

 between the eye and the nose, and another near the tail ; but, as a rule, stripes or 

 patches differing in hue from the ground-colour of the fur are absent, or ill-defined. 

 In spite, however, of this general uniformity of coloration, many of the species are 

 subject to an extraordinary amount of either individual or seasonal variation, both 

 in respect of colour, and also as regards the length of their fur. In consequence of 

 such variations much uncertainty has prevailed as to the number of species. 

 Professor Mivart gives the probable number as thirty-five, but he reckons a 

 few forms which other writers do not consider entitled to rank as more than 



varieties, while some 

 of the forms which 

 he considers to be 

 varieties are regarded 

 as species by others. 

 The total number may, 

 therefore, be roughly 

 estimated at a little 

 below forty. 



As regards the 

 seasonal and in- 

 dividual variation in 

 the coloration of dogs, 

 it may be observed 

 that the hue of the 

 fur is generally 

 lighter in winter 

 than in summer ; this 



difference attaining its maximum in the Arctic fox, of which the usual winter 

 pelage is pure white. Then again, among those species or races inhabiting 

 high latitudes or mountains, the fur is considerably longer in winter than in 

 summer. Moreover, as with the cats, some species show more or less marked 

 tendencies to the development of black individuals. Again, and especially among 

 the foxes, the colour of different individuals or races of a single species may 

 vary from a greyish, through a yellowish, to a reddish tinge ; while, if the general 

 colour remains the same, there may be darker or lighter shades. Added to these 

 variations in the coloration and length of the fur, there may also be a large 

 amount of individual difference in point of size in the same species. 



A peculiar character of many dogs, and one in which they differ markedly 

 from the cats, is their habit of associating in large packs for the purpose of 

 hunting their prey. In general, such prey is pursued chiefly or entirely by the 

 aid of smell, which attains an extraordinary development in some members of 

 the group. This keen perception of scent is not, however, accompanied by any 



SKELETON OF WOLF. 



