520 



UNGULATES. 



day they lie out upon rocks in tho shade, or retire, especially towards mid. lay, 

 beneath the rocks. They arc timid and wary, rushing into their holes at the 

 smallest intimation of danger. Tho only sound I heard made by them was a. shrill 

 squeak when suddenly alarmed. They can climb over smooth surfaces of rock in 

 a wonderful manner, their large feet aiding them in obtaining a hold." The typical 

 race of this species occurs in tho highlands of Abyssinia, the low land form being 

 of considerably smaller size. Its habits .may be taken as characteristic for all the 

 species, with the exception of those frequenting trees. Two other species inhabit 

 Southern Abyssinia, viz. the Shoan hyrax (/'. xlioaint), and Unices hyrax 

 (1\ brucei). Tho former of these inhabits Southern Abyssinia and Slum, and is 

 nearly or quite the largest of the group ; it differs from all others, except the ( 'ape 

 hyrax, in having tho spot on tho back entirely black, and is distinguished from the 



HYKIAN HTRAX. 



Cape Hyrax. 



latter by the great length of its soft and silky hair. Bruce's hyrax, which ranges 

 from Southern Abyssinia to Somaliland and Mozambique, is a small and rare species, 

 with tho spot on the back long and narrow, and yellowish or whitish in colour. 

 It has been found at elevations of from seven thousand to eight thousand feet. 



The Cape hyrax (P. capenaia) is confined to the Capo Colony 

 and Natal, where it is known to the Dutch colonists as the klip-das, 

 or rock-badger. It is characterised by tho hair being soft and line, and of medium 

 length, with the spot on the back of an irregular oval form, and black in colour: 

 (be general hue of the fur being dark sepia brown, speckled will* pale yellow or 

 white. The late Professor Moseley writes that these animals "come out to feed in 

 the mornings and evenings, but also bask sometimes in the hot sun at midday. 

 They are \ny inquisitive, and sit up on a rock, and look at one, and then suddenly 

 dash into their hiding-])! ace. After a time, if one remains quiet, they come out 

 for another look, and afford a good chance for a shot. Their cry of alarm is a 



