HYBRIDISATION 
Among mammals hybrids are comparatively rare, the 
mule, produced between the horse and ass, being the 
most common, and although large numbers of those 
hybrids are bred and kept, instances of their reproducing 
are extremely rare. Among ruminants a few instances 
are to be found. The two species of camel (Gamelus 
dromedarms and C. hactriamis) will breed together ; the 
llama {Auclicnia glamd) will breed with the alpaca (A. 
^acos), and the offspring are fertile. Several species of 
deer, when crossed, produce fertile hybrids ; for instance, 
the Barbary deer {Gervus barbarus) with the red deer 
((7. da'plms), the Mexican {G. mexicanus) with the Virginian 
deer {G. virginianios). Several others are also recorded upon 
good authority. 
Several instances of hybrids among the carnivora are 
well authenticated. The lion {Felis lea) has bred with the 
tiger {F. tigris), the leopard {F. Uopardus) with the jaguar 
(A. onca), the wild cat {F. ccdus) with the domestic cat {F. 
domestica). 
Dogs, wolves, and jackals when crossed produce fertile 
offspring; but a cross between a dog and true fox is a 
thing at present only stated upon very unsatisfactory 
evidence ; proof is wanting that such a cross has ever taken 
place. The same want of proof exists respecting the so- 
called leporines, said to be a cross between the hare and 
rabbit. Let it be borne in mind the wonderful difference 
that exists between these two species at the time of birth : 
the young hares are born in a very fully and perfectly 
developed condition, well clothed, the eyes open, and a few 
hours after birth they run about and feed themselves. 
What is the condition of the young rabbits ? They are 
oicdced and blind, remain in the nest at least a fortnight or 
three weeks. All the so-called leporines are rabbits, not 
only in this, but in every other character. 
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