THE FOSSA. 209 



Cryptoprocta typicus, A. Smith, S. African Quart. Journ. vol. ii. 



p. 134 (1835). 



{Plate XXVI.) 



Characters — Size about twice that of an ordinary Cat ; ears 

 moderate ; tail long and cylindrical ; fur short, close, and erect. 

 Colour nearly uniform pale sandy-brown. Total length, about 

 5 feet. 



Distribution. — Madagascar. 



Habits. — The largest Carnivore in its native island, the 

 Fossa is noted for the ferocity of its disposition, frequently 

 carrying off Goats and kids, and fighting desperately when 

 wounded. Beyond the fact that it is purely nocturnal, we 

 have, however, scarcely any definite information with regard to 

 its habits ; the following account, sent by an orchid-hunter 

 named Hamelin to his employers, being apparently somewhat 

 highly coloured. Monsieur Hamelin, writing of the Fossa, 

 states that " during the daytime it is extremely dangerous, for 

 it crouches in the forks of trees, hidden among the rich tropical 

 foliage and climbing plants, and watches for its prey. It is 

 exceedingly agile, and the moment its victim approaches, it 

 slides silently down, and in one bound is on top of it — a pic- 

 ture of horrible ferocity. At night big fires had to be con- 

 stantly kept up, and men had to take the watch, as we were thus 

 exposed to the observation of no less savage human enemies. 



"The favourite haunt of the Cryptoprocta seemed to me to 

 be amongst the masses of foliage where the Eulophiella grew. 

 Here they were numerous, and I was happy to be able to cap- 

 ture two young ones. This animal is not big, but extremely 

 ferocious. The capture of these two cubs was attended by a 

 terrible adventure — no less than the death of the brother-in- 

 law of the king, a fine, handsome, well-built man. It came 

 about in this wise. Whilst we were busy with the young ones 

 the mother returned, and, maddened with rage, pounced on 

 the shoulders of the king's brother-in-law, rending the flesh 

 7 p 



