HYBRIDISATION 



Among mammals hybrids are comparatively rare, the 

 mule, produced between the horse and ass, being the 

 most common, and although large numbers of those 

 hybrids are bred and kept, instances of their reproducing 

 are extremely rare. Among ruminants a few instances 

 are to be found. The two species of camel (Gamebis 

 dromedarius and C hactrianus) will breed together; the 

 llama (Auchenia glama) will breed with the alpaca {A. 

 ]pacos), and the offspring are fertile. Several species of 

 deer, when crossed, produce fertile hybrids : for instance, 

 the Barbary deer {Gervus harbarus) with the red deer 

 (C. elaphus), the Mexican (C. mexicanus) with the Virginian 

 deer (C virginianus). Several others are also recorded upon 

 good authority. 



Several instances of hybrids among the carnivora are 

 well authenticated. The lion (Felis leo) has bred with the 

 tiger {F. tigris), the leopard {F. leopardus) with the jaguar 

 (F. onca), the wild cat {F. catus) with the domestic cat {F. 

 domestica). 



Dogs, wolves, and jackals when crossed produce fertile 

 offspring; but a cross between a dog and true fox is a 

 thing at present only stated upon very unsatisfactory 

 evidence ; proof is wanting that such a cross has ever taken 

 place. The same want of proof exists respecting the so- 

 called leporines, said to be a cross between the hare and 

 rabbit. Let it be borne in mind the wonderful difference 

 that exists between these two species at the time of birth : 

 the young hares are born in a very fully and perfectly 

 developed condition, well clothed, the eyes open, and a few 

 hours after birth they run about and feed themselves. 

 What is the condition of the young rabbits ? They are 

 naked and iU7id, remain in the nest at least a fortnight or 

 three weeks. All the so-called leporines _ are rabbits, not 

 only in this, but in every other character. 



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