30 AFRICAN AND AMERICAN DOGS. 



very particularly ; but the type of the pariah may be said to re- 

 semble the dhole in general characteristics, and the breed is most 

 probably a cross with that dog and any accidental varieties of 

 domesticated dogs which may have been introduced into the re- 

 spective legalities. They are almost always of a reddish brown 

 color, very thi s \ and gaunt, with pricked ears, deep chest, and 

 tucked up belly. The native Indians hunt the tiger and wild 

 boar, as well as every species of game, with these dogs, which 

 have good noses and hunt well, and though they are not so hurh- 

 couraged as our British hounds, yet they often display considerable 

 avidity and determination in " going in " to their formidable op- 

 ponents. 



THE EKIA, OR WILD AFRICAN DOG. 



The native dogs of Africa are of all colors, black, brown, and 

 yellow, or red ; and they hunt in packs, giving tongue with con- 

 siderable force. Though not exactly wild, they are not owned by 

 any individuals among the inhabitants, who, being mostly Ma- 

 hometans, have an abhorrence of the dog, which by the Koran is 

 declared to be unclean. Hence they arc complete outcasts, and 

 obtain a scanty living either by hunting wild animals where they 

 abound, or, in those populous districts where game is scarce, by 

 davouring the offal which is left, in the streets and outskirts of the 

 towns. Tiie Ekia, also called the Deab, is of considerable size, 

 with a large head, small pricked ears, and round muzzle. His 

 aspect in general resembles that of the wolf, excepting in color, 

 which, as above remarked, varies greatly, and in the tail, which is 

 almost always spotted or variegated. These dogs are extremely 

 savage, probably from the constant abuse which they meet with, 

 and they are always ready to attack a stranger on his entrance into 

 any of the villages of the country. They are revolting animals, 

 and unworthy of the species they belong to. 



