inhabiting the South of Africa. 465 
" 
less formidable enemy to man. Though equally carnivorous with 
the Crocuta, it seldom attacks the larger quadrupeds, and it is 
only sheep, goats, and such-like animals that suffer from its 
predatory habits. A living specimen, which I kept a long time 
in my possession, appeared particularly inclined to indolence 
during the day, and submitted to confinement even from the first 
without apparent regret, till the gloom of night approached, 
when he generally became restless, active, and evidently anxious 
after liberty. Every change that was made in his situation was 
followed during a certain number of succeeding nights by fresh 
exertions ; but as soon as he found an escape to be unattainable 
he quietly submitted to his fate. When he was first procured, 
he was chained to a wooden post in the open air, and a large 
box was placed near him to afford a shelter from the incle- 
mencies of the weather; but this he soon broke to pieces. He 
was then moved into an outhouse, and there kept chained till 
the collar began to chafe his neck, when it was cut off, the door 
closed, and he left so far free. 
Though he could, while thus secured, range over every part 
of the house, yet he never attempted to effect his escape from 
the building till he found himself disencumbered of his chain, 
when he commenced the very first night afterwards digging up 
the floor close to the edge of the wall ; and so industrious was 
he, that ere morning he had formed a cavity in which he could 
almost conceal himself. The hole was immediately filled up by 
large stones, all of which, however, he removed during the next 
night, and went on digging till he reached the foundation of the 
wall. This from its strength and breadth put a stop to his further 
progress. Having on this occasion also been disappointed, he 
relinquished his exertions, appeared perfectly contented with his 
residence, and showed no inclination whatever to commence 
operations in any other part of his dwelling. He always evinced 
302 a great 
