inhabiting the South of Africa. 465 



less formidable enemy to man. Though equally carnivorous with 

 the Crociita, it seldom attacks the larger quadrupeds, and it is 

 only sheep, goats, and such-like animals that sutler from its 

 predatory habits. A living specimen, which I kept a long time 

 in my possession, appeared particularly inclined to indolence 

 during the day, and submitted to confinement even from the first 

 without apparent regret, till the gloom of night approached, 

 when he generally became restless, active, and evidently anxious 

 after liberty. Every change that was made in his situation was 

 followed during a certain number of succeeding nights by fresh 

 exertions ; but as soon as he found an escape to be unattainable 

 he quietly submitted to his fate. When he was first procured, 

 he Avas chained to a wooden post in the open air, and a large 

 box was placed near him to afford a shelter from the incle- 

 mencies of the weather ; but this he soon broke to pieces. He 

 was then moved into an outhouse, and there kept chained till 

 the collar began to chafe his neck, when it was cut off, the door 

 closed, and he left so far free. 



Though he could, while thus secured, range over every part 

 of the house, yet he never attempted to effect his escape from 

 the building till he found himself disencumbered of his chain, 

 when he commenced the very first night afterwards digging up 

 the tloor close to the edge of the wall ; and so industrious was 

 he, that ere morning he had formed a cavity in which he could 

 almost conceal himself. The hole was immediately filled up by 

 large stones, all of which, however, he removed during the next 

 ni^ht, and went on dioo-inç»; till he reached the foundation of the 

 wall. This from its strength and breadth put a stop to his further 

 progress. Having on this occasion also been disappointed, he 

 relinquished his exertions, appeared perfectly contented with his 

 residence, and showed no inclination whatever to commence 

 operations in any other part of his dwelling. He always evinced 



3 o 2 a great 



