Page:The Zoologist, 4th series, vol 1 (1897).djvu/184

156 publicly against this, as I had never found anything but insects (especially Termites) in the stomachs of those which I had dissected; and the unanimous testimony of experienced and trustworthy farmers in our district was to the effect that although it does a little damage by breaking Ostrich eggs, it very rarely if ever touches live stock; in fact, only one certain case was cited to me in which the bones of a lamb were found in the hole inhabited by Maanhaar Jackals, who had to provide for a litter of young ones at the time. I need scarcely say that this case does not prove that the Maanhaar Jackal kills lambs, as he is known to devour carrion. To my astonishment I was met by a howl of indignation, proceeding from farmers living in other districts, who were positive that this animal was a dangerous enemy to their flocks; and if they are correct (and I must say that there were intelligent and observant men amongst them) the Maanhaar Jackal must have changed its habits during recent times and in certain districts only, when possibly with the advance of civilization its natural food is failing. However, I cannot admit that the question is definitely settled.