48 SKETCH or THE HISTORY OF MAMMALIA. 



In other particulars the skull approaches that of the rhi- 

 noceros ; the molar teeth, in fact, are those of the rhino- 

 ceros in miniature, both as to form and number. There 

 are, as in the rhinoceros, no canines. The upper inci- 

 sors, two in number, are long, triangular, pointed, stout, 

 and separated from each other by a small interval. The 

 lower incisors are four in number, set in close array, flat, 

 and directed forwards. At first their edges are notched, 

 but they become smooth by use. The molars are seven 

 on each side, above and below : but the first, which is 

 small, falls out, being worn down as soon as the last 

 molar on each side has arisen ; and, in old individuals, 

 the next is frequently wanting also. 



With respect to the skeleton (Fig. 17*), it may be 

 remarked that there are 21 ribs on each side, a number 

 greater than in any other quadruped, except the two- 

 toed sloth, which has 23. The elephant and tapir 

 follow the hyrax. The fore feet are divided into four 

 toes, tipped with hoof-like nails ; the hind feet into 

 three, of which the innermost is furnished with a long 

 claw-like nail. The toes are all buried in the skin, as 

 far as the little hoofs, precisely as in the rhinoceros. 



Several species belong to the present genus : we have 

 figured the Cape hyrax or daman. (Fig. 18.) 



The Cape Hyrax, or Dassie of the Colonists 



(^Hyrax Capensis), 



Is common in the rocky and mountain districts of South 

 Africa, taking up its abode in the fissures of the rugged 

 crags, which aftbrd it an asylum. It abounds on the 

 sides of Table Mountain, but is so wary, quick, and 

 active, that it is not to be approached without much 

 difficulty. It often, however, falls a prey to the eagle 

 and falcon, which pounce upon it while feeding in appa- 

 rent security. The vulturine eagle {Aquila vultunna), 

 which makes the mountain precipices its abode, destroys 

 it in great numbers. This timid little animal is grega- 

 rious in its habits, like the rabbit, which it somewhat 

 exceeds in size. The fur is soft and deep, and oi" a dark 



