THE DHOLE. 15 



equally calculated for speed and power. They resemble many 

 of the common pariah dogs in form, but the singularity of their 

 colour and marks at once demonstrate an evident distinction. 

 These dogs are said to be perfectly harmless if unmolested. 

 They do not willingly approach persons, but, if they chance 

 to meet any in their course, they do not show any particular 

 anxiety to escape. They view the human race rather as objects 

 of curiosity than either of apprehension or enmity. The natives 

 who reside near the Eanochitty and Katcunsaudy passes, in 

 which vicinity the dholes may frequently be seen, describe them 

 as confining their attacks entirely to wild animals, and assert 

 that they will not prey on sheep, goats, &c. ; but others, in the 

 country extending southward from Jelinah and- Mechungunge, 

 maintain that cattle are frequently lost by their depredations. 

 I am inclined to believe that the dhole is not particularly 

 ceremonious, but will, when opportunity offers and a meal is 

 wanting, obtain it at the expense of the neighbouring village. 

 The peasants likewise state that the dhole is eager in pro- 

 portion to the animal he hunts, preferring the elk to any other 

 kind of deer, and particularly seeking the royal tiger. It is 

 probable that the dhole is . the principal check on the multi- 

 plication of the tiger; and although incapable individually, or 

 perhaps in small numbers, to effect the destruction of so large 

 and ferocious an animal, may, from their custom of hunting 

 in packs, easily overcome any smaller beast found in the wilds 

 of India." 



Unlike most dogs which hunt in packs, the dholes run nearly 

 mute, uttering only occasionally a slight whimper, which may 

 serve to guide their companions equally well with the more 

 sonorous tongues of other hounds. The speed and endurance 

 of these dogs are so great as to enable them to run down most 



