THE PARIAH. 13 
the Ranochitty and Katcunsandy passes, in which vicinity the 
dholes may frequently be seen, describe them as confining their 
attacks entirely to wild animals, and assert that théy will not prey 
on sheep, goats, &c.; but others, in the country extending south- 
ward from Jelinah and Mechungunge, maintain that cattle are 
frequently lost by their depredations. I am inclined to believe 
that the dhole is not particularly ceremonious, but will, when 
opportunity offers and a meal is wanting, obtain it at the expense 
of the neighbouring village. The peasants likewise state that the 
dhole is eager in proportion to the animal he hunts, preferring the 
elk to any other kind of deer, and particularly seeking the royal 
tiger. It is probable that the dhole is the principal check on the 
multiplication of the tiger; and although incapable individually, 
or perhaps in small numbers, to effect the destruction of so large 
and ferocious an animal, may, from their custom of hunting in 
packs, easily overcome any smaller beast found in the wilds of 
India.” 
Unlike most dogs which hunt in packs, the dholes run nearly 
mute, uttering only occasionally a slight whimper, which may 
serve to guide their companions equally well with the more 
sonorous tongues of other hounds. The speed and endurance of 
these dogs are so great as to enable them to run down most of the 
varieties of game which depend upon flight for safety, while the 
tiger, the elk, and the boar diminish the numbers of these animals 
by making an obstinate defence with their teeth, claws, or horns, 
so that the breed of dholes is not on the increase. 
IIL—THE PARIAH. 
This is the general name in India for the half-reclaimed. dogs 
which swarm in every village, owned by no one in particular, but 
ready to accompany any individual on a hunting excursion. They 
vary in appearance in different districts, and cannot be described 
very particularly; but the type of the pariah may be said to 
resemble the dhole in general characteristics, and the breed is 
most probably a cross with that dog and any accidental varieties 
of domesticated dogs which may have been introduced into the 
respective localities. They are almost always of a reddish brown 
