CATS. 15 



of the African and the western part of the Indian regions. In 

 India it is trained for hunting antelopes and similar game. Its 

 speed at times, and for short distances, is marvellous, surpassing 

 that of a race-horse, and, when well trained, it always runs down 

 its quarry, although in the wild state it uses the same tactics as 

 other Cats when stalking its prey, availing itself of every inequality 

 of the ground to steal close up to a spot whence it can suddenly 

 spring upon the unsuspecting animal. 



The second family of the ^Eluroidea comprises the Hysenas only [Case 15.] 

 (Case 15), of which there are three species Hyana striata and 

 brunnea, the Striped and Brown Hysenas, and Hycena crocuta, 

 the Spotted Hyaena of South Africa. They are all of about the 

 size of a large wolf, of cowardly and nocturnal habits, feeding for 

 the most part on carrion, and rarely attacking other animals which 

 are able to defend themselves. They have four toes on each of 

 their feet, non-retractile claws, and rather short, hairy tails. 



The family Protelida contains only a single species, the Aard- 

 Wolf of the Cape Colony (Proteles cristatus), of which there is a fine 

 specimen in Case 16. This animal looks like a diminutive hyaena, 

 but is almost toothless, living nearly entirely on decomposing car- 

 cases, and on termites, which its strong claws enable it to dig out 

 of their nests. 



The last family of the ^Eluroidea is the Viverridce, consisting of [Casea 

 the Civet-Cats and their allies. These are all comparatively small * ^ -I 

 animals, of low build, dull coloration, and with long hairy tails ; 

 they are entirely confined to Africa and Southern Asia, with the 

 exception of two species which are found in South-western Europe. 

 The most noteworthy groups of the Viverridte are: (1) Crypto- 

 procta, containing but one species, the Foussa (C.ferox), peculiar 

 to Madagascar, and the largest Carnivore of that island ; it is 

 remarkable for its cat-like head, retractile claws, and other feline 

 characters. It is quite untamable, and excessively savage when 

 caught or wounded. (2) The true Civet- Cats (Viverra], with 

 hairy soles and semi-retractile claws, of which there are four 

 species, one African and three Indian ; these animals secrete in a 

 glandular pouch beneath the tail the scent known as civet, which 

 is obtained by the natives from specimens kept in captivity for 

 that purpose. (3) The Genets (Genettd), smaller than, but very 



