196 



FROM NORTH POLE TO EQUATOR. 



the most noteworthy figures in the steppe-picture, and also in its 

 nature and habits one of the most interesting of all the carnivores 

 of this region. Excepting certain monkeys, I know of no mammal 

 so self-assertive, so wantonly aggressive, so emulous of exploits as 

 this dog is, or, at any rate, seems to be. There is no limit to his 

 ambition; no other mammal is quite secure from his attack. In 

 large packs they traverse the broad steppe-land on eager outlook 



A\v ■•■■n 



Fig, 29.— Hysena-dogs pursuing Antelope. 



for booty. They ravage the sheep -flocks of the settlers and 

 nomads; they follow persistently at the heels of the swiftest and 

 most agile antelopes; audaciously they press in even upon men; 

 fearlessly they dislodge, thanks perhaps to their noisy bravado, the 

 other carnivores of the region which they frequent. Behind the 

 strongest and most formidable antelope a pack rushes in full cry, 

 barking, howling, whining, and now and then uttering a clear note 

 of triumph. The antelope exerts all its strength, but the murderous 

 dogs lose no ground, they cut off corners and prevent it doubling 

 back, they come nearer and nearer and force it to stand at bay. 



