| 
THE FOSSA, 209 
Cryptoprocta typicus, A. Smith, S. African Quart. Journ. vol. ii. 
P- 134 (1835). | 
(Plate XX VI.) 
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 
B.tect. 
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 tropica 
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 Cryffoprocta seemed to me to 
be amongst the masses of foliage where the Hulopfiella 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 _ 
