1890.] JACKALS, DOGS, AND FOXES. 4/ 



I may, however, from the opportunities I have had of observing 

 so many living examples of the above-named animals, be able to 

 offer a few remarks on the subject. 



In the first place, I find that Wolves differ greatly amongst them- 

 selves in size, colour, and markings. Wolves from the Arctic regions 

 are larger, lighter in colour, and have much longer and thicker 

 coats than those which inhabit milder climates. Some of these 

 varieties from different parts of the world have been considered as 

 distinct species, without, in my opinion, sufficient characters to mark 

 their distinctness. 



With reference to the Jackals, they are more easily distinguished, 

 and several well-marked species are readily known and recognized. 



The extraordinary and wonderful number of well-marked breeds 

 of the domestic dog and their variations of size, form, and colour, 

 render any attempt to account for their origin a task of some diffi- 

 culty ; but as many wild dogs appear to be descendants of domestic 

 dogs, it is necessary to endeavour to account for the origin of the 

 domestic race. There can be no doubt, for example, that the Esqui- 

 maux dogs are reclaimed or domesticated wolves. 



All wolves, if taken young and reared by man, are tame, playful, 

 and exhibit a fondness for those who feed and attend to them. The 

 same may be said of all the species of jackals. This being so, it is 

 h'.ghly probable that both wolves and jackals were for many ages 

 found in the company of man, and that owing to this association the 

 different species of these animals may have bred together and become 

 mixed. 



A mixed breed would at once develop a new variety. A variety once 

 commenced would in all probability, in a few generations, undergo many 

 changes, especially if any well-marked variety should occur. Nothing 

 would be more natural than to suppose that the owners of this variety 

 would endeavour to increase its number, especially if it was found to 

 possess useful qualities. 



The fashion of hunting led in all probability to the separation of 

 domestic dogs into two well-known breeds, viz. those that hunt by 

 sight, as distinguished from those that hunt by scent ; for there can 

 be no doubt that at a very early period dogs were used in the chase 

 of wild animals. There are plenty of ancient monuments on which 

 there is unmistakable evidence of this fact. The usefulness of dogs 

 being established at a very early period would naturally lead to great 

 care being bestowed upon them, and doubtless to the breeding of 

 them in a domestic state. This would lead to the production of the 

 many breeds and varieties that have been developed, and thus 

 varieties may have been perpetuated by the mixing and crossing of 

 breeds originally obtained from distinct wild animals. 



I have found no difficulty in crossing wolves and jackals with do- 

 mestic dogs, when suitably matched. It is a well-known fact that 

 the Esquimaux frequently allows his dogs to breed with wolves, in 

 order to keep up the strength, the power of endurance, and the 

 courage of the race. But as regards foxes, so far as my experience 

 goes, I have never met with a well-autheniicated instance of a hybrid 



