ORDER CARNASSIER. 349 



Hearne and Mackenzie speak of the White Wolf, a 

 variety, originating not in the supposed morbid excitement 

 to ordinary albinism, observed so generally in the various 

 species, but rather from the action, whatever be the modus 

 operandi of a high latitude. Mr. Warder, also, informs 

 us, that the Wolves found in the United States vary consi- 

 derably both in dimensions and in colour. In the northern 

 states, they are yellowish or reddish-brown, with a black 

 dorsal line ; while more to the south, they are found entirely 

 black. Great caution, therefore, seems necessary, that 

 these mere varieties be not admitted into systematic cata- 

 logues as distinct species. 



To the specific characters of the Red Wolf or Agouara — - 

 Gouazou of d'Azara, as given in the text, we shall add 

 nothing. Azara states that Agouara signifies the Fox, and 

 Gouazou merely great, consequently, that the compound 

 word implies that the animal is the largest of the Foxes. 



This naturalist possessed one at about three months old, 

 which was kept tied up. When any one approached, he 

 would growl like the Dog, but in a more confused and 

 louder manner. He lapped in drinking, and pressed his 

 food under his fore-paws, while he tore it with his teeth ; 

 he was particularly fond of rats and small birds, and ate 

 also of sugar-canes and oranges. 



The figure is so like that of a Dog, that any one seeing 

 it in the fields, without knowing it, would naturally take it 

 for that species, for he has no other difference than in his 

 mane and large erect ears, with their concavities turned in 

 front ; his legs, also, and figure are rather more slim. The 

 mane, however, is a strong specific distinction, whence its 

 scientific epithet jubatus. 



He inhabits the low swampy lands, is a good swimmer, 

 nocturnal in his habits, hunting solitaryly, with much cou- 

 rage and agility, almost all other quadrupeds, even the 

 stag. 



2B2 



