MAMMALIA — WOLF. 



145 



with thicker hair, inclining to yellow. In the northern climates, some are 

 found quite black, and some white all over. The former are larger and 

 stronger thau those of any other kind. 



THE CLOUDED BLACK WOLF.i 



This animal is a native of the extreme northern regions of America. It 

 is a much nobler looking creature than the common species, and is also 

 much larger and more robust. The ears are remarkably short, and the tail 

 is shorter in proportion than that of the wolf. The hair is mottled with 

 various shades of black, gray, and white, and is of considerable length, par- 

 ticularly along the middle of the back and shoulders, where it forms a sort 

 of ill defined mane. On the sides the coloring is somewhat lighter, and is 

 of a still lighter shade beneath. From the top of the nose to the origin of 

 the tail, this animal measures about four feet and a quarter. Its ferocity 

 remains undiminished by protracted confinement. 



THE A I\I E R I C A N WOLF. 



The common wolf of America is considered to be the same species as the 

 wolf of Europe, and, in regard to habits and manners, gives every evidence 

 of such an identity.* 



' Canis hyixion, Lix. 



* Richardson remarks that he has travelled over thirty dea:rces of latitude in America, 

 and has never seen there any Avolves which had the gaunt appearance, the comparatively 

 long jaw and tapering nose, "the high ears, long legs, slender loins, and narrow feet of tlie 

 Pyrencan wolf. He adds, that the American animal has a more robust form thau the 

 European wolf. Its muzzle is thicker and more obtuse, its head larger and rounder, and 

 there is a sensible depression at the union of the nose and forehead. He notices six varie- 

 ties of the wolf in North America : — common gray wolf, white, pied, dusky, black, and 

 prairie. There is little reason to doubt that all the wolves of America are of one species ; 

 and the variations of size, color, and habits, arc to be referred to diversities of climat« 

 which have been gradually impressed upon these animals. 



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