THE QUADRUPEDS OF ARIZONA. 289 
though shy and wary, and seldom making their appear- 
ance by day ; and notwithstanding their size and imposing 
appearance, the part they played was insignificant com- 
pared with that of their smaller relatives, the Coyotés. 
This latter animal, the Prairie or Barking Wolf (Canis 
latrans Say), is by far the most abundant carnivorous 
animal in Arizona, as it is also in almost every part of 
the West. Practically, the Coyoté is a nuisance; theo- 
retically, he compels a certain degree of admiration, 
Viewing his irrepressible positivity of character, and ‘his 
versatile nature. If his genius has nothing essentially 
noble or lofty about it, it is undeniable that few animals 
possess so many, and so various attributes, or act them 
out with such dogged perseverance. Ever on the alert, 
and keenly alive to a sense of danger, he yet exhibits the 
coolest effrontery when his path crosses ours. The main 
object of his life seems to be the satisfying of a hunger 
which is always craving ; and to this aim all his cunning, 
impudence, and audacity are mainly directed. 
Much has been written concerning the famous polyglot 
Serenades of the Coyoté, by those who have been unwil- 
ling listeners; but it is difficult to convey an adequate. 
idea in words, of the noisy confusion. One must have 
Spent an hour or two vainly trying to sleep, before he is 
in a condition to appreciate the full force of the annoy- 
ance. It is a singular fact that the howling of two or 
` three wolves gives an impression that a score are engaged, 
so many, so long drawn are the notes, and so uninterrupt- 
edly are they continued by one individual after another. 
A short, sharp bark is sounded, followed by several more 
in quick succession, the time growing faster, and the 
pitch higher, till they run together into a long-drawn 
lugubrious howl, in the highest possible key. The same 
AMERICAN NAT., VOL. I. 37 
