THE SPOTTED HYJENA. 55 



Cowardice- Instance of ferocity. 



and seizing it with his teeth, tore the plank com- 

 pletely up, drawing every nail with the utmost 

 facility. 



It is worthy of remark,, that the hyaena will 

 not openly attack a man ; in proof of which, Mr. 

 Greenfield informs me, that the animal now un- 

 der his care, has been turned loose into the yard, 

 without any such attempt. 



The spotted hyaena is much more gentle than 

 most of the individuals of the other species : as 

 the keeper can enter his den at all times except 

 when he is hungry or feeding. In suffering these 

 liberties, however, the animal seems actuated by 

 terror, rather than by his natural inclination ; for 

 in all these acts the man finds it necessary to 

 have a stick in his hand. He does not pay the 

 same respect to animals that come in his way. 

 A soldier, who some years ago visited the royal 

 menagerie, brought along with him a small ter- 

 rier dog, and ridiculously held him up to the den 

 of the hyaena. On seeing the animal, the dog 

 was irritated, and in his rage thrust his head be- 

 tween the bars; when the furious beast sprung 

 upon him, dragged him through, and almost in- 

 stantly devoured him. 



An animal of this species is now exhibited at 

 the menagerie, Exeter 'Change, where it has 

 been about six years. 



