104 ON THE GEOGRAPHY OP ANIMALS. 



(147.) Among the ferocious or carnivorous species, 

 the rare black-maned lion (Leo melaceps Sw.) is one 

 of the most remarkable, being quite distinct from the 

 common species, which is frequently met with. The 

 serval (Felis Servo), and two smaller species of tiger- 

 cats (F. capensis and nigricans}, are likewise peculiar : 

 besides these, there are two, if not three, kinds of hyaenas, 

 differing from those of Northern Africa ; while the 

 hunting hyaena of Burchell (Hycena venatica Burch.) 

 seems to extend its range through the centre of the 

 continent. The polecats, and inferior animals of this 

 tribe, are not numerous: the ratel, the zorilla, and three 

 kinds of ichneumon, are among the best known ; not to 

 mention the common jackal (C. aureus), and another 

 (C. mesomalis), peculiar to the Cape. The existence of 

 only two species of apes exemplifies the fact, that we 

 have now nearly passed the limits of the monkey tribe : 

 one of these is the pig- faced baboon (Cyanocephalus 

 porcarius), the other the red- vented monkey (Cercocebus 

 pygerythrceus. The hares and other kindred families 

 furnish us with many novelties. Of the genus Lepus 



there are three species 

 the African, the 

 red-naped, and the 

 rock hare j the latter 

 (fig. 45.) living only 

 in the most inacces- 

 sible retreats. The 

 jerboas of Northern 

 and Central Africa 

 give place to three little elegant kinds of dormouse 

 (Myoxis) ; and the true American ant-eaters appear 

 represented by that called the Cape ant-eater (Orycte- 

 ropus Capensis}. The largest quadrupeds belong, of 

 course, to the herbivorous orders. The two-horned 

 rhinoceros is well known as peculiar to Southern Africa ; 

 but it was reserved for Mr. Burchell to discover a second 

 (Rh. sinusus Burch.), equally large, which very pro- 

 perly bears his name in common language. The African 

 elephant is here by no means uncommon, and is imme- 



