38 WILD TRAITS IN TAME ANIMALS. 



docility and readiness to obey which is such a 

 noticeable and invaluable characteristic in dogs 

 as we know them. 



They must also be faithful to their fellows in 

 word and deed. A hound which gives tongue 

 when he has no quarry before him (and such 

 canine liars are not unknown, as any huntsman 

 will testify) may spoil a day's hunt, and send the 

 whole pack supperless to bed. It is interesting 

 and amusing to observe the evident contempt 

 with which the hounds of a pack regard an un- 

 truthful member. His failing becomes perfectly 

 well known, and, let him bay as he will, not one 

 of his companions will rush to the spot as they 

 do the moment they hear the slightest whimper 

 from a trusted and experienced finder. 



Loyalty to one another is also a virtue which 

 cannot be done without. Thus we see that, how- 

 ever great the emulation between the individual 

 members of the band, while the hunt is on it is 

 kept strictly within bounds, and is subordinated 

 to the common purpose. It is only after the 

 game is captured and killed that contests of in- 

 dividuals for a share of the plunder commence. 

 The very fact that an invitation is given to join 

 in the pursuit as soon as the quarry is started. 



