HYiENAS. 



The group of animals wliich are so well known by the titles of ITVitNAS, arc, 

 although most repulsive to the view, and most disgusting in their habits, the very 

 saviours of life and health in the countries where they live, and where there is 

 necessity for their existence. In this land, and at the present day, there is no 

 need of such large animals as the Hyaenas to perform their necessary and useful 

 task of clearing the earth from the decaying carcasses which cumber its surface 

 and poison its air, for in our utilitarian age even the very hairs from a cow's hide 

 are turned to account, and the driest bones are made to subserve many uses. 



In the semi-civilized countries of Africa and Asia, the Ilysena is a public 

 benefactor, swallowing with his accomodating appetite almost evcrv species of 

 animal substance that can bo found, and even crushing to si)linters between his 

 iron jaws the bones which would resist the attacks of all other carnivorous 

 animals. 



There are several species of Ilyocnas, which are found in Asia and Africa, such 

 as the Striped Hyaena, sometimes called the Crested Ilyrcna, or Strain! ^^'olf, the 

 Brown ITya^na, and the Tiger Wolf, or Spotted IIya?na. Tlie habits of all these 

 animals are very similar. The animals comprising this grouj) are remarkable for 

 their slouching, shambling gait, which is caused by the disproportion that exists 

 between their legs. TIk- fore-legs which are used for digging, are ])owerful and 

 developed, but the hinder pair arc so short that the line of the back slopes 

 suddenly downwards from the hips, and gives to the creature a most sneaking and 

 cowardly look. There are only four toes on each foot. 



Useful as is the llya^na when it remains within its proper boundaries, and 

 restricts itself to its projier food, it becomes a terrible pest when too numerous to 

 find suflicient nounshment in dead carrion. Incited by hunger, it hangs on the 

 skirts of villages and encampments, and loses few opportunities of making a meal 

 at the expense of the inh;d)itants. It docs not openly oppose even a domestic ox, 

 but endeavours to startle its intended prey, and cause it to take to flight before it 

 will venture upon an attack. In order to alarm the cattle it has a curious habit 

 of creeping as closely as possible to them, and then springing up suddenly before 

 their eyes. Should the startled animal turn to flee, the Hya?na will attack and 

 destroy them ; but if they should turn to bay, will stand still and venture no 

 farther. It will not even attack a knee-haltered horse. So it often happens that the 

 I lyrena destroys the healthy cattle which can run away, and is afraid to touch 

 the sicklv niifl maimed beasts which cannot flee, niul are forced to stand at l>nv. 



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