26 



THE HY^NA. 



THE Hyaena is nearly of the size of a wolf; and has 

 some similitude to that animal in the shape of its head 

 and body. The head, at first sight does not appear to 

 differ, except that the ears of the hyaena are longer, and 

 more without hair ;* but, upon observing more closely, we 

 shall find the head broader, the nose flatter, and not so 

 pointed. The eyes are not placed obliquely, but more 

 like those of a dog. The legs, particularly the hinder, are 

 longer than those either of the dog or the wolf, and different 

 from all other quadrupeds whatsover, in having but four 

 toes, as well on the fore feet as on the hinder. Its hair 

 is a dirty gray, marked with black, disposed in waves 

 down its body. Its tail is short, with pretty longhair. Its 

 manner of holding the head seems remarkable; some- 

 what like a dog, pursuing his scent, with the nose near the 

 ground. The head being held thus low, the back appears 

 elevated, like that of the hog, which, with a long bristly 

 band of hair that runs all along, gives it a good deal the 

 air of that animal. 



But no words can give an adequate idea of this 

 animal's figure, deformity, and fierceness. More savage 

 and untameable than any other quadruped, it seems to be 

 for ever in a state of rage or rapacity, for ever growling, 

 except when receiving its food. Its eyes then glisten, the 

 bristles of its back all stand upright, its head hangs low, 

 and yet its teeth appear ; all which give it a most frightful 

 aspect, which a dreadful howl tends to heighten. The 

 tone of this cry is very peculiar : its beginning resembles 

 the voice of a man moaning, and its latter part as if he 

 were making a violent effort to vomit. As it is loud and 

 frequent, it might, perhaps have been sometimes mistaken 

 for that of a human voice in distress, and have given rise 

 to the accounts of the ancients, who tell us, that the hyiena 

 makes its moan to attract unwary travellers, and then to 

 destroy them however this may be, it seems the most un- 

 tractable, and for its size, the most terrible of all other 

 quadrupeds; nor does its courage fall short of its ferocity; 

 it defends itself against the lion, is a match for the panther, 

 and attacks the ounce, which it seldom fails to conquer. 



It is a solitary animal, to be found chiefly in the most 

 desolate and uncultivated parts of very warm countries. It 



