TOWNSEND'S LUPUS GIGAS. 79 



of Say. The free intercourse that now subsists between the United States and the 

 regions inhabited by these animals will doubtless soon enable us to decide this 

 question. Until then, however, we may safely refer our known wolves to three 

 distinct species, as follows : 



Lupus gigas. Gia)it Wolf. 



Lupus occidentalis. Common Wolf. 



Lupus latrans. Prairie Wolf. 



Naturalists very generally question the fact of the C. nubilus of Say being a 

 distinct species. On this point I have, at present, no opinion to offer, but I feel 

 confident that a full comparison of sJculls will enable us to decide some mooted 

 questions with respect to the wolves and foxes of America. My friend Dr. Morton 

 has already commenced these comparisons, and in due time will give them to the 

 public. 



