PRAIRIE WOLF. 73 



Some 2,000 to 3,000 skins are imported anniiallj^ 

 and another 1,000 to 3,000 by the Hudson's Bay 

 Company. In 1891 3,974 skins were sold by the 

 Company. The skins from the Dominion are, of 

 course, of fuller and finer quality than those from the 

 United States. 



Of late years it has been hunted in Iowa by packs of 

 hounds, or dogs of mixed breeds, and affords good sport 

 to the hunters. It is extremely wary, and difficult to 

 take in traps. 



The Coyote appears to breed occasionally with the 

 grey or Virginian Fox. It is said to produce five to 

 eight young at a birth. The female has six teats. 



The Prairie Wolf has bred in Epping Forest from 

 animals escaped from captivity. It breeds freely with 

 fox-terriers, pointers, &c., thus showing the identity of 

 the wolf and dog. 



The skins of the Prairie Wolf make excellent wrappers 

 and boas, and take a brilliant dye (black or brown). 



Its fur is used all over the civilized world, with the 

 exception of China. 



SOUTH AMERICAN WOLF. 



Cauis atifarcticus. 



This small Wolf is grey in colour, and somewhat 

 similar to the Coyote of the Northern Continent. 



There are but few skins ; some 50 to 100 are imported 

 annuall}'. Its fur is consequently little known to 

 traders. Its skin is, however, sometimes used to replace 

 that of the grey Fox, as its colour is dark brindled, and 

 dark on the top hair. 



