486 THE TASMANIAN WOLF. 





impossibility the echidna itself, undismayed by its panoply of bayonet-like prickles. 

 The deed seems so incredible that it would hardly have been believed, had it not been 

 proved beyond doubt by the slaughter and subsequent dissection of a Tasmanian Wolf, 

 in whose stomach were found the remains of a half-digested echidna. 



As soon as civilized inhabitants took up their abode in Tasmania, this animal made 

 great capital out of the sheep flocks and henroosts, and for some time committed sad 

 ravages among them, greatly to the detriment of the colonists. By degrees, however, the 

 weapons of the white man prevailed, and the Tasmanian Wolf was driven back from 

 its former haunts where it once reigned supreme. Still continuing to prowl round the 

 habitation of mankind, many individuals of this species were fain to pick up what 

 loose and uncertain subsistence they could contrive to appropriate, and, being forced to 

 live in copses and jungles, became the representatives of the hyena as well as of the 

 Wolf. 



In the earlier days of the colony, the Tasmanian Wolf was of very frequent 

 occurrence, but is now seldom seen except in the cold and dreary localities where it 

 takes up its residence. These animals are found in considerable numbers on the sum- 

 mits of the western mountains, at an elevation of nearly four thousand feet above the 

 level of the sea, and there thrive, even though their lofty domains are plentifully covered 

 with snow. 



The home of the Tasmanian Wolf is always made in some deep recess of the rocks, 

 away from the reach of ordinary foes, and so deeply buried in the rocky crevices that it 

 is impenetrable to the light of day. In this murky recess the female produces her young, 

 which are generally three or four in number, and in its dark cavern the animal spends 

 the whole of its day, only venturing from home at night, except under the pressure of 

 some extraordinary circumstances. 



As may be seen from the engraving, the feet of the Tasmanian Wolf are so dog-like 

 in their nature, that they cannot enable the animals to ascend trees, and as the tail is 

 not in the least degree prehensile, it is evident that the creature is not capable of chas- 

 ing its prey among the branches, as is the case with many of the allied animals. 



In size it is about equal to the jackal, being generally about four feet in total length, 

 of which measurement the tail occupies some sixteen inches. Some few specimens, 

 however, are said to attain a very great size, and to measure nearly six feet in total 

 length. Its height at the shoulders is about eighteen or nineteen inches. It is a fierce 

 and most determined animal, and if attacked will fight in the most desperate manner. 

 One of these animals has been seen standing at bay, surrounded by a number of dogs, 

 and bidding them all defiance. Not a single dog dared venture within reach of the 

 teeth of so redoubtable a foe. 



As it is a nocturnal animal, it seems little at its ease when in the uncongenial glare 

 of daylight, and, probably on account of its eyes being formed for the purpose of noc- 

 turnal light, is very slow in its movements by day. It always seems to be greatly 

 annoyed by too strong a light, and constantly endeavors to relieve itself from the 

 unwelcome glare by drawing the nictitating membrane over its eyeballs, after the 

 manner of owls when they venture forth by daylight. 



The animal is a very conspicuous one, on account of the peculiar coloring of its fur, 

 and the brightly defined stripes which decorate its back. 



The general tint of the fur is a grayish-brown, washed with yellow, each hair being 

 brown at its base and yellow towards the point. Along the back runs a series of boldly 

 defined stripes, nearly black in their color, beginning just behind the shoulders and 

 ending upon the base of the tail. The number of these stripes is various, being from 

 fourteen to seventeen on an average. At the spot where they commence they are very 

 short, but lengthen rapidly as they approach the tail, reaching their greatest length over 

 the haunches, over which they are drawn to some extent. In many specimens the 

 stripes are forked upon the haunches. Towards the tail the stripes again become short, 

 and upon the base of the tail are so abbreviated that they only cover its upper surface. 

 The under parts of the body are gray. The tail is slightly compressed, and gradually 

 tapers to its extremity. The eyes are large and full, and their color is black. The 

 edge of the upper lip is white. 



