-^ Hyaenas and Jackals 



influence of the tropical sun soften the bones, and they 

 fall to bits ; the tusks alone withstand the influence of 

 the weather for a number of years. Then new life always 

 springs from the ruins. I have discovered birds' nests 

 in the huge bleached skulls, or perhaps carefully built 

 nests of mice that had found a refuge from their enemies 

 in the tusk-sockets. Then, in the course of a few years, 

 the skull also falls to pieces ; and thus ends the drama 

 which has been played. . . . 



One ot\en encounters jackals by daylight. Their 

 ubiquit)' makes them play a great ro/c in the legends and 

 tales of the velt-population. In Germany the fox is the 

 poetical personification of cunning and practical acute- 

 ness in the fight for lite. In East Africa this ro/e is 

 played by the " umbua witu " of the W'aswahili, the 

 " endere " of the Masai, or " eeloande " of the Wandorobo. 



The opportunities I had of watching a large carcase 

 beset b\' htmdreds of vultures, innumerable marabous, 

 some spotted hycenas. and a number of jackals, all 

 clamouring for the booty, were among the most interest- 

 ing of my African experiences. Unfortunately, bad light 

 o-enerally stood in the way of successful photographs at 

 these times. By son^.e sort of fatality the light was 

 generally bad when I wanted it most. I trust that others 

 may be more lucky in this respect. I hope that the 

 man who follows in mv footsteps will succeed far better 

 than I have done. It is not enough to be keen and 

 expert and well-equipped ; one must have good luck 

 as well. 



469 



