102 CARNIYORA. 



COMMON JACKAL. 



Cams aureus. 

 French : Chacal. German : Schakal, 



This well-known animal abounds in India and Algeria, 

 In the latter country the French Government pay 1^ 

 francs for the slaughter of this animal. Many thou- 

 sands (about 30,000) are killed annually. 



The Jackal is of a rather small size, being about 2 feet 

 in length ; its colour is of a lightish red-brown, with a 

 small white mark on the throat ; the back is of a deeper 

 shade. The fur is harsh and of little value. 



The Jackal is nocturnal, and its cry, generally heard 

 on moonlight nights, is a peculiar long wail, rather 

 piercing, but not altogether unpleasant. It is a very 

 lively animal, and bites quickly and sharply. Its nose 

 is black and sharply pointed, and its smell very pungent. 

 It thrives well in captivity. 



It is sometimes hunted in India with Fox-hounds, 

 which are sent out from England ; it affords good sport. 

 The hunt usually takes place in the morning at an early 

 hour. When hard pressed it will turn up a second 

 Jackal. 



BLACK-BACKED JACKAL. 



Canis mesomclas. 



This handsome animal is larger than the foregoing, 

 and inhabits the Cape and South Africa. The hairs of 

 the back are long and coarse, and of a dark silvery-grey 

 colour ; the sides are covered with soft red-brown fur, 



