12) THE ZOOLOGIST. 
but this anomalous proportion in the above-mentioned wolves 
does not appear to be very important; either it is actually 
the case with the Japanese Wolf, or is to be explained by the 
fact that Temminck did not measure the bones in a disarticulated 
and clean condition. 
It is impossible to obtain exact measurements from a natural 
skeleton with the ligaments or portions of them still attached. 
According to Temminck’s notes, the legs of the Japanese Wolf 
being relatively shorter than those of its congener, it may be said 
that there is no check upon the length of the skull, which is 
omitted; yet it may be reasonably assumed that the skull of the 
specimen measured by him was of similar dimensions to that 
now lying before me. None of the wolves above mentioned has 
such a short tibia in comparison with the basilar length of skull. 
In accordance with this are the conclusions of Prof. von 
Martens on the ‘‘ Yama-ino,” not from personal examination, but 
based upon Japanese pictures. In the zoological part of the 
‘Prussian Expedition to East Asia’ (vol. i. p. 76), he says, ‘‘ The 
Yama-ino is distinguished by its shorter legs, and therefore 
smaller size, and is the same species as that figured in the 
‘Fauna Japonica.’ ” 
More important are the observations on Japanese Wolves by 
Mr. H. Pryer, of Yokohama, published in the ‘ Proceedings of 
the Zoological Society of London,’ 1878 (pp. 115 and 788). Mr. 
Pryer there announced his having forwarded “a fine specimen of 
the Japanese Wild Dog” to the Zoological Society of London, 
and stated that he was endeavouring to acquire a live specimen 
of Canis hodophylax, thus distinguishing the Wolf of the Main- 
isle (Nippon), which he names Canis hodophylax, from the Wolf 
of the Isle of Yesso, identical with the Siberian Wolf, Canis lupus. 
He further remarks that Canis hodophylax is confined to the 
main island, and has a shorter muzzle than the Wolf of Yesso. 
Equally noteworthy is the opinion of Dr. Sclater on a living 
specimen of Canis hodophylax, presented to the Zoological 
Gardens of London by Mr. Heywood Jones. He says (p. 788) :— 
“Judging from the present specimen of the Japanese Wolf, 
although nearly allied to Canis lupus, it would seem to be a 
distinct species, recognisable by its smaller size and shorter legs.” 
In reply to further inquiries, Dr. Sclater briefly confirmed the 
above statement. 
