254 THE BUANSUAH. 



down and destroy their prey in like manner. But the Dhole is apparently the only 

 animal that, although individually so far the inferior of its fierce prey, in size, strength, 

 and activity, has sufficient confidence in its united powers, to chase and kill the terrible 

 tiger, maugre his fangs and claws. 



From the observations which have been made, it seems that hardly any native Indian 

 animal, with the exception of the elephant and the rhinoceros, can cope with the Dhole ; 

 that the fierce boar falls a victim, in spite of his sharp tusks, and that the swift-footed 

 deer fails to escape these persevering animals. The leopard is tolerably safe, because 

 the dogs cannot follow their spotted quarry among the tree branches, in which he for- 

 tifies himself from their attacks ; but if he were deprived of his arboreal refuge, he 

 would run but a poor chance of escaping with life from the foe. It is true that, in their 

 attack upon so powerfully armed animals as the tiger and the boar, the pack is rapidly 

 thinned by the swift blows of the tiger's paw, or the repeated stabs of the boar's tusks ; 

 but the courage of the survivors is so great, and they leap on their prey with such 

 audacity, that it surely yields at last from sheer weariness and loss of blood. 



It is probable that the sanguinary contests which often take place between the 

 Dholes and their prey have a great effect in checking the increase of the former animals, 

 and that, if such salutary influence were not at work, these bold and persevering hunters 

 might increase to such an extent as to become a serious pest to the country. 



In the chase, the Dhole is nearly silent, thus affording a strong contrast to the cheerful 

 tongue of the foxhound in "full cry," or the appalling howl of the wolf when in pursuit 

 of a flying prey. Only at intervals is the voice of the Dhole heard, and even then the 

 animal only utters a low anxious whimper, like that of a Dog which has lost its master, 

 or feels uneasy about its task. It is a swift animal in the chase, and Captain William- 

 son, who has seen it engaged in pursuit of its prey, thinks that no animal could lead the 

 Dhole a long chase. The average number of individuals in the pack is about fifty or 

 sixty. 



The color of the Dhole is a rich bay, darkening upon the feet, ears, muzzle, and tip of 

 the tail. In height it equals a rather small greyhound. It does not assault human beings 

 unless it be attacked, neither does it seem td fly from them, but, in case of a sudden 

 meeting, pursues its avocations as if unconscious of the presence of an intruder. The 

 countenance of this animal is very bright and intelligent, chiefly owing to the keen 

 and brilliant eye with which it is favored. The Greek word " Cuon " signifies a 

 hound. 



IN the Wild Dog, which ranges Nepal and the whole of Northern India, the primi- 

 tive type of the Dog was thought to be found. This animal, the BUANSUAH, presents 

 many points of similarity to the Dhole, and is said to rival the latter creature in its 

 tiger-killing propensities. 



Like the Dhole, it is a shy animal, and never willingly permits itself to be seen, 

 preferring to take up its residence in the thickest coverts which are afforded by the 

 luxuriant vegetation of its native land. It hunts in packs, but, unlike the preceding 

 animal, gives tongue continually as it runs, uttering a curious kind of bark, which is 

 quite distinct from the voice of the domestic Dog, and yet has nothing in common 

 with the prolonged howl of the wolf, the jackal, or the foxes. 



The number of individuals in each pack is not very great, from eight to twelve being 

 the usual average. They are possessed of exquisite powers of scent, and follow their 

 game more by the nose than by the eye. 



When captured young, the Buansuah readily attaches itself to its keeper, and under 

 his tuition, becomes a valuable assistant.in the chase. Unfortunately, the Dog will too 

 often refuse its confidence to any one except its keeper, and therefore is not so useful 

 as it might otherwise be rendered. It is probable that the keeper himself has some 

 hand in this conduct, and wilfully teaches his charge to repel the advances of any per- 

 son save himself. 



In the chase of the wild boar, the peculiar character of the Buansuah exhibits itself to 

 great advantage, as its wolf-like attack of sudden snap is more destructive to its prey than 

 the bite of an ordinary hound. For other game this creature is but an uncertain assistant. 



