396 



MAMMALIA. 



Jachal. — This Carnivore, five or six varieties of which are 

 known, is common to the whole of Africa, all the warm regions 

 of» Asia, and to portions of Southern Europe. It is about the 

 same length as the Fox, but stands a little taller. Its coat is of 

 a greyish-yellow colour above, and white beneath ; its tail is 

 tipped with black at the extremity. 



Jackals (Fig. 152) live together in troops, which are some- 

 times composed of more than a hundred individuals. Although 



i:ig. 152. — Jackals [Cams aureus, Linn.). 



their eyes are adapted for diurnal vision, they usually sleep during 

 the day, and do not go abroad until night to seek their food. To 

 keep together they are constantly howling, and their voice is sad, 

 loud, and unmusical. Their voracity and audacity are unparal- 

 leled. They enter habitations, when opportunity presents itself, 

 and sweep off everything eatable they can reach ; devouring even 

 boots. Horse harness, and other articles made of leather. In the 

 desert they follow the caravans, prowl all night around their 

 encampment, and endeavour to carry off anj'thing chance may 



