406 CLASS MAMMALIA. 



of the two species of Hysena, and let them breed each in the 

 country proper to the other, and if their progeny did not 

 depart from the specific character of their ancestors in as- 

 suming those of the other species, we should have strong 

 evidence of diversity of species. In short, if no external 

 influences are found to approximate their specific charac- 

 ters, and the joint offspring of the two turn out to be hy- 

 bridous and sterile, that doubt upon their distinctness would 

 then be removed, which appears to us to exist in the ab- 

 sence of such evidence. 



We must be contented, however, on this subject, with 

 simple observation. The modus operandi of those causes 

 which act so differently on different species of animals, is 

 to us buried in the profoundest obscurity. Many of the 

 consequences, therefore, which we are fond to deduce from 

 the phenomena of nature, and to elevate into general laws, 

 may, for aught we know, be forced, foundationless, proof- 

 less. To be assiduous in observation, and cautious in de- 

 duction, is the golden rule of philosophy. 



Notwithstanding, then, the slight differences between the 

 Spotted and the Striped Hyaena, we must consider them as 

 separate species, until we are in possession of certain proofs 

 of their intermixture and identity ; until we see the cha- 

 racters of one confounded with those of the other, until we 

 see the spots of the former lengthen into stripes, and the 

 stripes of the latter shorten into spots. 



The Spotted Hycena, in stature and corpulence, resem- 

 bles a large Mastiff. The head, however, is more thick 

 and less elongated, and its motions have less freedom and 

 elasticity. The hinder part of the body it carries very low, 

 owing to its constantly keeping the articulations of the 

 hinder legs considerably bent. Its glance is unsteady, for 

 it is dazzled by a strong light, and this gives an additional 

 indecision to its movements. Not that the animal is by 

 any means deficient in force and vivacity. It is susceptible 



