CHAPTEE IX. 



ZOOIOGT. 



This branch of natural history, as illustrated on the hills, 

 offers several peculiarities to the lover of the science, but 

 my limited opportunities, and want of leisure to collect and 

 observe, prevent me from offering more than a very rough 

 sketch of the Fauna Neilgherriensis. 



Of the larger animals, The Elephant, though numerous in 

 the surrounding jungle, and occasionally seen in the passes, is 

 not found on the table-land. 



The royal Tiger is an occasional visitant, and is, as usual, 

 destructive, but they seem to lose part of their ferocity in 

 this cold climate, and in general fall an easy prey to the 

 sportsman. 



Cheetas are more numerous. 



Jackals are very numerous, and wild dogs* not uncom- 

 mon ; neither wolves nor foxes are met with. 



An animal, nearly resembling the Martin, is sometimes 

 seen ; as also the Polecat. 



* I am informed by competent judges, that the animal, so called on 

 the hills, is not a genume wild dog, but a sort of nondescript, partaking 

 of the dog, the wolf, and the fox, all of which it resembles iu one or 

 more points. They are frequently seen hunting elks, deer, &c. in packs 

 of 8, 10, or 12. 

 P 



