220 
ANIMAL CURIOSITIES 
a yellowish coat mottled with irregular-shaped 
black blotches. It is a swifter and more 
powerful animal than the dhole, and even the 
lion is said to fear it. These dogs also hunt 
in packs, so many as sixty individuals some¬ 
times being seen together. They display much 
sagacity in their mode of attack, taking it in 
turns to bear the brunt of the chase, those that 
are tired falling to the rear, while others, who 
have been reserving their strength, spurt for¬ 
ward to take their place. In this manner 
they are able to overcome and wear out the 
swiftest and most powerful antelope. 
Many birds display much ability as hunters, 
the various members of the hawk family being 
especially gifted in this occupation. Merlins, 
the smallest of our birds of prey, frequently 
course their quarry, such as larks and swallows, 
in relays, one of them taking up the chase 
while another hovers aloft ready to relieve its 
companion should it become tired. 
Passing to the vocation of a soldier, we find 
it exemplified in various ways by different 
creatures, drilling or moving in formation 
being one of the phases of military routine 
that has its counterpart in the lives of certain 
wild animals. 
Wild ducks and geese fly along in a V-shaped 
formation during their migratory journeys, 
