DBSUIiTORY SKETCHES IN NATURAL HISTORY. 65 



towards black :"* a statement confirmed by some cubs recently- 

 brought forth in Mr. Wombwell's menagerie. 



This animal is peculiar to South Africa, where it is numerous, 

 and generally diffused ; being known as the Wolf or Tiger Wolf 

 to the Cape colonists : it is also sometimes designated the Laughing 

 Hycena. When running about, it often doubles down the ears, 

 which are then inconspicuous ; and frequently turns up the tail, 

 like a Dog. Anecdotes of it abound in the writings of most South 

 African travellers. 



" It seldom," remark s Dr. Smith, " if ever, moves abroad during 

 the day, but passes that period in a state of repose, either in holes of 

 the ground, or in retired situations densely covered with brush. 

 Towards night-fall his bowlings are regularly heard, announcing to 

 the various animals the approach of their voracious enemy, and thus 

 enabling many of them to escape his wiles. The propensity this 

 beast has for howling seems, therefore, to be disadvantageous to 

 him ; and if his almost continual noise be not intended to put the ani- 

 mals upon which he preys upon their guard, its actual purpose is 

 scarcely conceivable," unless it be to inspire them with terror, and 

 thus to facilitate his attacks. " Some have surmised it to be his call 

 to creatures of his own species ; but that this is not the case is cer- 

 tain from the fact that Hyaenas are heard to utter their supposed call 

 even while separating from each other farther and farther as each cry 

 is uttered ; in addition to which, it may be remarked that it is contrary 

 to the habit of this animal to hunt in company, or even to congregate 

 in great numbers, save when assembled by the temptation of abun- 

 dance of carrion. A still further proof that the Hyaena's cry is not 

 a friendly call to his own species, may be found in the fact that when 

 individual Hyaenas have found a dead animal, they cease to utter their 

 melancholy howl, as if in fear of calling participators of the feast. 



" Till lately," adds the author, in conclusion of a very interesting 

 account,t " Hyaenas were in the habit of paying nightly visits to the 

 streets of Cape Town, and were regarded as very useful in carrying 

 away the animal refuse, which might otherwise have been disagree- 

 able. This, however, no longer occurs, partly, perhaps, from better 

 regulations now existing in the town, and partly from the number of 

 these animals having very greatly decreased. Even now, however, 

 individual Hyaenas occasionally approach the town, and their bowl- 

 ings are sometimes heard under Table Mountain, and in other direc- 



• African Zoology j p. 55. 



f Quoted in the Penny Cyclopcediay Art. Hyaena. 



VOL. X., NO. XXVIII. 9i 



