280 
AMERICAN GREY WOLF. 
We have examined a number of European Wolves (see vol. ii., p. 162, 
White American Wolf), and although there were great differences 
between various specimens, we were not able to satisfy ourselves that 
the American AVolf is the largest, as is supposed by Richardson. Wo 
regard them as generally about the same size, and as exhibiting only varie- 
ties, not specific differences. The body of the American Grey Wolf is long, 
and rather gaunt ; muzzle elongated, and somewhat thicker than that of 
the Pyrenean AVolf; head thick; nose long; ears erect and conical; 
eyes oblique — as is the case in all the true wolves — pupil of the eye circu- 
lar ; tail straight, and bushy. The animal does not curl it over the back, 
like a dog. 
Behind the cheek there is a bunch of hairs, which look like a collar. 
The hairs are of two kinds, the longer coarse and rather rigid, the under 
fur soft and woolly ; whiskers very few, and coarse and rigid ; nails long, 
slightly arched, and, in the specimen from which wo describe, considerably 
worn, as are also the teeth. 
COLOUR. 
The long hairs, from their roots, for one third of their length, are yel- 
lowish white, then a broad band of dark brown follows, succeeded by yel- 
lowish brown, and the tips are black. The under fur is ashy brown. On 
the under surface the long hairs are white nearly to the roots. 
Ihe general appearance of the upper surface is dark brindled grey, with 
an indistinct dorsal line a little darker than the colour of the sides. 
The under parts are dull white. 
Nostrils black ; from the nose towards the eyes, reddish vellow. The 
outer surface of the ears, and outsides of hind legs, from the hip to the 
knee joint, are also reddish yellow. The whiskers 
DIMENSIONS. 
Length from point of nose to root of tail, 
“ of tail (vertebras), - 
“ “ to end of hair, 
Height of ear, 
Breadth “ 
From point of nose to end of skull, - 
eye to point of nose, 
“ shoulder to longest nail, 
Longest upper canine tooth, - 
Length of the hair on the back, 3 to 4 inches. 
re black. 
Feet. Inches. 
4 
1 1 
1 5 
4 
3 
Hi 
5 
2 4 
li 
