MAMMALIA. 67 
appears, gives a general grayish hue to these parts, deepening along the dorsal line into black. 
The hair on the back part of the cheeks is very bushy. In other individuals which I have 
seen, the mixture of dark-gray with black and brown forms distinct patches on an almost 
white ground. There is generally a darker line along the spine. 
The Gray Wolf differs in size in different districts, and even in the same dis- 
trict individuals differing much in height and strength, but (as far as one can judge 
from their teeth) of nearly equal age, are to be found. The wolves of the desert 
country lying to the north of Great Slave Lake, and much. frequented by rein- 
deer, are of great dimensions. Farther north again, in the islands of the Polar 
sea, visited by Captain Parry, they were generally smaller, their average height 
in that quarter being only about twenty-seven inches. Captain Sabine states those 
of Melville Island to be as big as a full-sized setter-dog. 
DIMENSIONS 
Of the prepared skin of a Gray Wolf killed at Cumberland House. 
Feet. Inches. ; Feet. Inches. 
Length of the head and body A 4 4 0 Height to the top of the shoulder 0 2 0 
35 tail . . : 1 2 
DIMENSIONS 
Of a Gray Wolf starved to death at Fort Franklin, April 1821, (measured before it was skinned.) 
Feet. Inches. Feet. Inches. 
Length of head and body . : - 4 2 haunches, the feet being flat on the ground, 
= tail (vertebre) : ° «i 7 and the fur of the back pressed down oY 8 
“5 tail, including fur . ree 2 Height with the fur of the back in its natural 
Height at the fore-shoulder, and also at the rough state. C c : oe he 3 0 
DIMENSIONS 
Of a specimen as mounted in the Zoological Museum, which was procured at Carlton House. 
Feet, Inches. ,Feet. Inches. 
Length of head and body ews E ame 4 Height of the back,—fur rough 0 5 2 5 
A tail (vertebre) : | 31 | Distance from top of the nose to the orbit . 0 4} 
tail, including the hate ‘; Ao 64 | Height of the ‘ear, measured on the inner 
Height of the back,—fur pressed down . 5 2 2 side é a : 0 . - Oo 33 
