TJie Dog Tribe, 99 



several species of these animals, of which the most 

 abundant and familiar are the common Jackal, or 

 \\\\o\3\\(Canisaureus} of India and Ceylon, etc., and the 

 Black-backed Jackal (Cam's mesomelas) of Southern 

 Atnca. 



The former of these animals is found in very great 

 numbers, but, owing to its nocturnal habits, is more 

 often heard than seen, keeping up, as it does, a per- 

 petual howl from dusk to dawn. It usually herds to- 

 gether in packs, which retire to the thick forest during 

 the day, and sally out after dark in search of food. 



Their prey usually consists of the smaller quadru 

 peds, which they can overpower without much diffi 

 culty. They are not very particular, however, and are 

 equally satisfied with the carcase of any slain animal 

 which they may happen to fiud. 



The jackal is often known as the' lion's provider,' owing 

 to its habit of following closely upon the footsteps of the 

 large members of the feline tribe. This title, however, 

 is rather misapplied, for jackals follow a lion or tiger 

 solely for the purpose of preying upon what remains of 

 the carcases of his prey after his lordly appetite is 

 satisfied. A ring of jackals may often be seen sur- 

 rounding a lion when engaged in feeding, patiently- 

 waiting until his wants are supplied and they can con- 

 sume the remainder. 



Occasionally a jackal will separate himself from his 

 companions, and live in solitude. These hermit 

 animals are terrible foes to the farmers, attacking the 

 hen-roosts and sheep-folds by night, and causing great 

 havoc amongst the assembled animals. 



The fur of the jackal is of a yellowish-brown tinge, 

 whence the scientific name, aureus i.e., ' golden ' is 

 derived. In size, it rather exceeds the common British 

 fox. Like that animal, it is possessed of a powerful 

 and unpleasant odour, which, singularly enough, 



