1 56 THE HUNTER'S ARCADIA. 



greatest precision. When attacked, it rolls itself up 

 after the manner of a hedgehog, in which formation 

 it is able to defy even the formidable jaws of the 

 hyena. But the Bushman, or Bechuana, armed with 

 his assegai, cannot thus be thwarted ; for, rolling 

 .the unfortunate creature over till the opening is 

 discovered where the tail laps over the head, he 

 inserts into it his weapon till a vital part is reached. 

 The mode of progression of this animal is very 

 novel, for, instead of walking on the soles of its 

 feet, it only uses the outer sides, keeping the claws 

 turned in. 



After supper, while endeavouring to get my new 

 .pet to unroll himself and permit me to cultivate his 

 acquaintance, we were disturbed by a tremendous 

 hullabaloo from the vicinity of the adjoining cattle 

 kraal, women and children yelling and men shout- 

 ing, while a number of Bechuanas sitting around my 

 camp fire enjoying the edifying conversation and 

 tobacco of my Hottentots, seized brands and rushed 

 off in the direction of the disturbance. One of my 

 people called to me that a hyena had got into the 

 kraal amongst the goats, so, picking up my handiest 



