Tin: sTi!iri:i) iiv.i:na. 



Among tlic warlike tribes tlint inliabit tlic northern part of Africa tliis cowardlv 

 disposition throws a sad discredit on the animal, and they lavish upon the liyicna 

 their copious vocabulary of abusive terms. Even a weapon which has been used 

 for the purpose of killing a Ilya-na is held by them as entirely defiled, and 

 rendered unfit for the use of a wari'ior. 



These Hyaenas are very fond of dog-flesh, and em})loy a very ingenious mode of 

 catching their favourite prey. The female Ily.rna creeps quietly, and csconces 

 herself behind some bush or other concealment not far from a village or a 

 temporary encampment. Her mate then plays his part by running boldly 

 forwards, and making himself as conspicuous as ],ossil)le, so as to draw the 

 attention of some of the nudtitudinoiis dogs which prowl about human 

 habitations. Out rush the dogs at the sight of the intruder, and the Hyaena 

 runs off as fast as he can, taking care to pass near the spot where his mate is 

 lying concealed. The result may well be imagined. 



It is not often the case that the Hya'na will conunit itself to so bold an action, 

 for it is never known to be venturesome unless compelled by dire hunger. 



STinPJ:i) IIV/ENA.— //y^y/r/ .siridia. 



The Striped Hv.ena is easily to l)c distinguished from its relations by the 

 l)eculiar streaks from which it (lerives its name. The general colour of the fur 

 is a greyish- i-rown, diversified with blackish stripes, which run along the ribs, 

 and upon the limbs. A large irregular black jjatch extends over the front of the 

 throat, ami single black hairs are i)rofusely scattered among the fur. When 

 young, the stripes are more apj)arcnt than in adult age, and the little animal has 

 something of a tigrine a.spect about its face. The reason for this circumstance is 

 twofold; firstly, because the groundwork of the fur is lighter than in the adult 

 Hyaena; and secondly, because the stripes are proportiomitely nmch broader than 

 in the full-grown animal, aiul therefore occupy more space. 



Although the Hya>na is so cowardly an animal, yet, like all cowards, it becomes 

 very bold when it finds that it can make its attack with impunity. iSmboklened 

 by luunbers, and incited by fierce hunger, the Hyaenas become the very pests of 

 the native African towns ; roaming with impunity through the streets in search 

 of the garbage that is plentifully Hung from the houses, and conducting them- 

 selves with the greatest impudence. At nightfall the inhabitants are fainto close 

 their doors firmly, for these dangerous brutes have been known to seize a sleeping 

 man, and to kill him with the terriltle grip of their powerful jaws. 



