KHOLSUN OR DHOLE. 



253 



The original parent of the Dog is very doubtful, some authors considering that it 

 owes its parentage to the Dhole, or the Buansuah ; others thinking it to be an offspring 

 of the Wolf ; and others attributing to the Fox the honor of being the progenitor of 

 our canine friend and ally. With the exception of a very few spots, the Dog is to be 

 found spread over almost every portion of the habitable globe, and in all countries is 

 the friend of man, aiding him either by the guardianship of his home and property, 

 by its skill and endurance in the chase, or by affording him a means of transit over 

 localities which no other animal could successfully encounter. 



Before proceeding to the domesticated Dogs, we will examine the two species of 

 Wild Dog which nearest approach them. 



KHOLSUN, OR DHOLE.-Cuoa Dukhuensls. 



THE DHOLE, or KHOLSUN, as it is sometimes called, inhabits the western frontiers of 

 British India, its range extending from Midnapore to Chamar, but does not appear to 

 take up its residence in other parts of the same great country. Even in the localities 

 which are favored by its presence, the Dhole seldom makes its appearance, and by many 

 residents in India has been counted but as a myth of the natives. It is a very shy animal, 

 keeping aloof from man and his habitations, and abiding in the dense dark jungles, which 

 extend for hundreds of miles, and afford little temptation for human beings to enter. 



Among the peculiarities of the Dhole's character, its fondness for the chase is perhaps 

 the most remarkable. There is nothing peculiar in the fact that the Dhole unites in 

 large packs and hunts down game, both large and small, because many of the canine 

 race, such as the wolves and others, are known by many and tragical experiences to run 



