Pelts 



from the jackal, in that they are not found near 

 the populous abodes of man. 



The hyaena or striped hyaena, the lakkar bagh of 

 the native of Upper India, is common throughout 

 the country, affecting the hilly, open country, and 

 being comparatively rare in the great forests. He 

 is most abundant perhaps in North-west and Cen- 

 tral India. The animal chiefly frequents rocky 

 hills and dark deep ravines, and conceals itself in 

 the daytime in caves or in holes dug by itself. It 

 comes out at night to hunt for its food, which 

 consists chiefly of carrion. 



When he gets the chance he will pull down 

 sheep and dogs and goats, but his cowardly 

 nature usually prevents him enjoying these dain- 

 ties as often as he would like. 



The hyaena has rather a handsome striped pelt, 

 grey, with narrow transverse, black or tawny 

 stripes both on body and legs. It stands high in 

 front with a crest and mane, and has extremely 

 powerful jaws and teeth. The animal measures 

 about 3 feet 6 inches, with a tail of i foot 6 inches, 

 and weighs 6o to 8o lbs. Its excreta are curious, 

 as they are principally composed of bony frag- 

 ments which dry into hard balls. 



The hyaena's peculiar, harsh, strident laugh is 

 well known to all jungle lovers ; but is apt 

 to get on the nerves when one is out in camp 

 by oneself and afflicted with an attack of the 

 blues. 



^299 



