296 Zoological Society. 



Cercopitheci, although it now seems by general consent to be re- 

 garded as a Semnopithecus. From its existence in M. Otto's species, 

 and in the only two species of Semnopithecus which Mr. Owen has 

 had opportunities of dissecting, the latter gentleman is disposed to 

 consider it as appropriated to the genus, which may consequently 

 be now regarded as established on anatomical as well as on zoolo- 

 gical and geographical grounds. 



Col. Sykes reminded the Society that, in submitting his Catalogue 

 of the Mammalia observed in Dukhun, East Indies, he took occa- 

 sion (Phil. Mag. and Annals, N. S. vol. x. p. 307,) to comment on 

 the popular error respecting the ferocious and untameable dispo- 

 sition of the common Hyama, Hycena vulgaris, Cuv. His opinions 

 were founded partly on observation of a cub which he had domes- 

 ticated, and partly on facts communicated by his friends. He went 

 on to state as follows: 



" Two years have elapsed since I placed in the Gardens of the 

 Society the above-mentioned cub (a female), which has now attained 

 its full growth, and I am happy to be enabled to confirm the opinions I 

 formerly advanced. In India it was allowed to run about my house, 

 and on board ship it was released from its cage two or three times 

 a day, to play with the sailors and gambol with the dogs. It early 

 recognised my person and voice, and would obey when called ; and 

 in general was as playful and good-humoured as a puppy. My visits 

 to it in the Gardens have been rare, and at long intervals, nor have 

 I ever carried it food; I anticipated, therefore, that it would out- 

 grow its early associations, and that I should be to it as any other 

 stranger; but it has always greeted me not only as an acquaintance, 

 but as an old friend - } and if I am to judge from its agitation and 

 peculiar cries, the animal's recognition is that of affection. 



" On Sunday last it was asleep in its cage when I approached. 

 On calling to it by its name it looked up, distinguished me in the 

 crowd, started on its legs, and on my applying my hand to its mouth 

 to smell to, it threw itself down against the bars, rubbed its head, 

 neck, and back against my hand, and then started on its legs and 

 bounded about its cage, uttering short cries. On ceasing to speak 

 to it, and moving away, it stopped, and looked wistfully after me, 

 nor resumed its motions until I addressed it again. Its manifesta- 

 tions of joy were so unequivocal, as to excite the surprise of a great 

 number of bystanders. As these pleasing traits in the disposition 

 of a calumniated animal appeared so new to those who surrounded 

 me on that occasion, they may possibly be deemed of sufficient in- 

 terest to be worthy of extended promulgation by record in our Pro- 

 ceedings. 



" I take occasion to repeat my conviction, that association with 

 man, constant kindness, and abundance of food, will suffice not only 

 to modify, and indeed eradicate, the worst traits in the disposition 

 of any animal of the higher classes, but give birth to others of which^ 

 their natures were not deemed susceptible." 



June 25. — Extracts were read from a letter addressed to the Se- 

 cretary by W. Willshire, Esq., Corr. Memb. Z.S., dated Mogadore, 



