82 



NORTH AMERICA. 



west, where troops or packs containing a considerable number of individuals are frequently seen 



following in the train of a herd of bufialo or deer, for 

 the purpose of preying on such as may die from 

 disease, or in consequence of wounds inflicted by 

 the hunters. At night they also approach the en- 

 campments of travelers, whom they sometimes 

 follow for the sake of the carcasses of animals 

 which are relinquished, and, by their discordant 

 bowlings close to the tents, eii'ectually banish sleep 

 from those who are unaccustomed to their noise. 

 The barking wolf closely resembles the domestic 

 dog of the Indians in appearance, and is remark- 

 ably active and intelligent. Like the common 

 wolf, the individuals of this species frequently unite 

 to run down deer, or a buffalo calf which has been separated from the herd, though it requires 

 the fullest exercise of all their speed, sagacity, and strength, to succeed in this chase. They 

 are very often exposed to great distress from want of food, and in this state of famine are 

 under the necessity of filling their stomachs with wild plums, or other fruits no less indigestible, 

 in order to allay in some degree the inordinate sensations of hunger. The Dusky and Black 

 Wolf are also found frequenting the same districts as the prairie wolf, but they are not so 

 numerous. 



The JS'^cwfoundlnnd Dog is remarkable for sagacity, strength, size, and beauty, and in external 

 characters differs almost entirely from the Esquimaux, and Hare Indian dog. He is very fond 

 of water, and swims with great ease. He is employed with advantage by the settlers to draw 

 heavily laden sledges, and is an invaluable servant. Of his peculiar sagacity numerous instances 

 are on record. 



The Hare Indian Dog (Canis lagopus) is found on the banks of the Mackenzie and the 



Great Bear Lake, and is used by the Hare- 

 Indians and a few other tribes for the chase, 

 as it is too small to be useful as a beast of 

 draft or burden. It resembles the prairie 

 wolf, but is smaller in size. It is very playful 

 and affectionate, and very fond of being ca- 

 ressed. It is not, however, docile, and dis- 

 likes confinement of every kind. Its voice is 

 very much like that of the prairie wolf. 



The Jforth Jlmerican Dog is more in use 

 than any other in the Hudson's Bay countries 

 and in Canada, and is in size between the 

 Esquimaux and Hare Indian dog ; but it wants 

 the strength of the former, and the playful dis- 

 position of the latter. It is used in the chase, 

 and by some tribes as a beast of burden or 

 draft, but it has all the sneaking habits of the wolf, with less courage and intelligence. 

 Its color is generally black and gray, striped with white. It has a very thick and woolly 

 coat. The flesh of the North American dog is esteemed before that of almost every other 

 animal by the Canadian voyagers. 



The Esquimaux Dog {Canis Borealis), is about the size of the Newfoundland dog, and has 

 a very majestic appearance. It is of great use to the Esquinnaux and the traders, in drawing 

 their furs and other baggage. The weight that several of these animals will draw over the snow 

 is really surprising. The number of dogs attached to a sledge is usually five. They are 

 harnessed two abreast, the leader being usually a well-broken and long-trained dog. He is 

 guided by the voice of his master, and is generally perfectly obedient. 



^ The Cougar {Felis concolor), which- is now seldom seen in the settled parts of our country, 

 still finds a secure retreat in the gloomy forests of Pennsylvania. This animal, which passes 

 under the various names of panther, painter, and catamount, in this country, and in South 

 America is called puma, and sometimes the South American lion, is the largest of the cat 

 family which inhabits North America. He is about 5 feet in length, with a long body, and rather 



Prairie or Barking Wolf. 



Hare Indian Doer. 



