FAMILY VIVERRIDvE J ICHNEUMON, HYAENA. 225 



in restraining the multiplication of the Crocodile, by devouring 

 its eggs, and also the young Crocodiles when newly-hatched. 

 The Ichneumon is easily domesticated, and seems to form an at- 

 tachment to its place of residence ; it is not unfrequently kept 

 tame in the countries, of which it is a native, for the purpose of 

 clearing the houses of mice, rats, &c. 



198. Certain other less-known genera seem to connect the 

 Viverrine family, with the Raccoons and other aberrant forms of 

 the Ursidce ; but we must pass these by, to notice the remark- 

 able section of it, which presents a very near approach towards 

 the Canidce, that of the Hycena and its allies. The molar 

 teeth of this animal are as follows ; false molars U carnivorous 

 teeth ~, tuberculated molars ~. Notwithstanding the difference 

 in their dentition, however, they are closely related in many 

 points to the Civets, and are connected with them by a remark- 

 able genus to be presently noticed. The skull of the Hyaena is 

 short, and remarkable for its solidity; the muzzle also is short; and 

 the temporal muscles, which raise the lower jaw, together with 

 those of the neck, are enormously developed. The vertebrse of 

 the neck, in adult animals, are often found to be united together ; 

 as if for the purpose of resisting the most violent strains. The 

 general form of the body is very peculiar. The neck, chest, and 

 shoulders are extremely powerful ; but the hind-quarters are low, 

 and the hind legs seem comparatively feeble, giving a kind of 



awkward shuffle to the pace. 

 The toes are four on each foot ; 

 and are furnished with blunt, 

 stout, unretractile claws. Be- 

 neath the tail is a deep pouch, 

 analogous to that of the Civets, 

 but not secreting a similar odorous 

 substance. The Hyaenas are es- 

 sentially carrion-feeders ; and are 



FIG. 112. SPOTTED HV^NA : * 



destined to fill up an important 



station in the economy of nature. They cleanse the earth of the 

 decaying carcasses of the larger beasts, whose remains, if not 

 speedily removed, would infect the atmosphere with pestilential 



