542 



DIGITIGKADE OARNIVORA. 



the tribe. They have been separated into two 

 genera, the Hyaenas and the Cats. 



The Hyaenas (Hycena) are distinguishable from the 

 Cats by having only four toes, both on their front and 

 hind feet, by their claws, which are not retractile, and 

 by the position of their teeth, which are so powerful, 



FIG 466. HYJEXA. 



that they can crack the shin-bone of an ox. Their coat 

 is rough, not thick, but composed of long hairs that form 

 a mane down the middle of the back. Their gait is 

 singular ; they step out in front, and always seem to drag 

 the hind legs after them. These animals are nocturnal 

 in their habits ; they live in caverns and old ruins. They 

 are exceedingly voracious, and feed more especially on 

 dead carcases. 



The Cats (Felis) are the most formidably armed of all 

 the Mammalia. Their body is lithe and agile, their spine 

 very flexible, their limbs muscular, but capable of free, 

 rapid, and energetic movements. The toes are provided 

 with strongly curved and sharp claws, which are kept 

 from being blunted by a very curious contrivance. Their 



