MAMMALIA 



93 



to the genus Canis, and the more robust species, with a rounded 

 pupil to the eye, are known as Wolves. Of these the largest 

 species is the Common Wolf {Canis lupus), which has a wide 

 distribution through the cold and temperate parts of the northern 

 hemisphere, and was at no very remote period a native of Britain. 



Fig. 60. — The Sahara Fox or Fennec [Canis zerda) 



As is well known, it hunts in packs, like many other dog-like 

 animals, and this habit at times renders it formidable even to man. 

 Few animals play a larger part in legend and fable, from the time 

 of ^sop down to Uncle Remus. The Coyote or Prairie Wolf 

 {Canis lalrans) is a smaller North American species. Closely 

 related to the wolf is the Jackal {Canis auretts), a much smaller 

 animal, with a fox-like appearance. It ranges from India to 

 Central Africa, and is also found in Greece and Dalmatia. 



It has been pointed out that the domestic cat is probably the 

 descendant of one oarticular wild species, but this is not the case 



