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THE BLACK-BACKED JACKAL. 



wounded animal could be discovered. Two days afterwards it was found, with a 

 hind-leg broken, in a bundle of Tambookie grass, in the very middle of the village, 

 and close to a butcher's shambles. The cunning animal evidently knew that if it went 

 to the plains it must die of starvation, and might, moreover, be easily overtaken by its 

 pursuers, so it concealed itself in the very spot where they would least think of look- 

 ing for it, and where it was within easy reach of food. 



The nightly shrieks with which the Black-backed Jackal fills the airfare loud and 

 piercing ; but when heard at a distance are thought by some sportsmen to possess a 

 certain melody to initiated ears. 



The peculiar dark mottlings of the back form a band that extends from its neck and 

 shoulders to the tail, is very brjoad in front, passing over the withers as far as the 

 shoulders, and narrowing gradually towards the tail, where it becomes only two inches 

 wide. The tail is of a fawn color, and does not partake of this variable coloring, with 

 the exception of the tip, which is black. 



BLACK-BACKED JACKAL. Caais mesomelas. 



Lieutenant Burton remarks, that among the Somali the morning cry of the Jackal is 

 used as an omen of good or evil, according to its direction and its tone. He also 

 mentions that it is in the habit of attacking the peculiar fat-tailed sheep which inhabit 

 that country, and carrying off their lambs. The fat-burdened tail forms an article of 

 diet which seems to be greatly to the Jackal's taste, and which he procures by leaping 

 suddenly upon the poor sheep, and then making a fierce bite at its tail. The terrified 

 sheep starts off at best speed, and leaves a large mouthful of its tail between the 

 Jackal's teeth. Kids and other small animals fall victims to this insatiate devourer. 



In that country the Jackal, called by the natives " Duwas," dances nightly atten- 

 dance upon the spotted hyena. 



