160 
SECTION II. LYCISCUS.* 
THE LYCISCAN DOGS. 
Unver this denomination we propose to class the 
diurnal canines that are not strictly wolves, and 
reside, with one exception, in lower latitudes, from 
the southern part of the temperate zone to within 
the tropics. In examining this group, a further 
proof may be found, how much the natural history 
of the whole family is still open to conjecture; and 
though it might be objected, perhaps justly, that 
the species not thoroughly known should not as 
yet be admitted in the catalogues of mammalia, we 
think, as the existence of the animals is unques- 
tionable, to present their imperfect descriptions to 
the reader, has at least the advantage of pointing 
them out more directly to the inquiries of travellers 
and naturalists; the errors that may be committed, 
* © Tyciscus. Hoc idem e lupis galli, quorum greges suis 
quisque ductorem e canibus Lyciscam habent.” Plin. quoted 
by Cirino.—We do not find this text, but the name is eyvi- 
dently connected with the wolf, and has originally no refer- 
ence to barking. The Teutonic luchs, anciently given without 
discrimination to the lynx and to a kind of wolf, is a nearer 
etymon, and may be derived in both cases from the luminous 
eyes. The Lupus cervarius of Pliny is similarly both a wolf 
and a lynx. 
