210 THE JACKALS. 
upon grapes. They congregate in great numbers, 
sometimes as many as 200 being found together ; 
and they howl so incessantly, that the annoyance 
of their voices is the theme of numerous apologues | 
and tales in the literature of Asia. Their cry is a 
melancholy sound, beginning the instant the sun 
sets, and never ceasing till after it has risen. The 
voice is uttered and responded to, by all within 
hearing, ina concert of every possible tone, from a 
short hungry yelp to a prolonged crescendo ery, 
rising octave above octave in the shrillness, and 
mingled with dismal whinings as of a human being 
in distress.* Jackals retire to woody jungles and 
rocky situations, or skulk about solitary gardens, 
hide themselves in ruins, or burrow in large com- 
munities. If by chance one of the troop be 
attacked, all are on the watch, and, if practicable 
with self-preservation, issue forth to the rescue. 
The Indian wolf and hyena occasionally avail 
themselves of their burrows; but while they occupy 
these retreats they abstain from hostility with their 
neighbours.t We have already stated in what 
manner they attend upon the forays of the tiger, 
and the different warning cry then uttered by one 
only, without the response of others.$ In the 
* MS. Notes of Frederic Burnet, Esq. 
+ Dr. Daniel Johnson. 
+ A relative mentions, that while he resided at Cawnpore, 
his watchmen were attracted by the peculiar voice, and, crouch- 
ing, crept along under the walls bounding his compound, till 
they reached the spot whence it issued ; looking over with 
