102 WILD ANIMALS. 



CHAPTER VIII. 



THE HYENAS {HTANIBJE). 



The animals of this family are comprised in a single genus, and 

 consist of three species, containing, however, several varieties 

 — the striped hygena [Hycena striata) ; the spotted hy^na (Hycena 

 cr acuta) ; and the brown hyaena [Hycena rufa). 



They resemble the Felidce, or cats, in several points, especially 

 in their dentition and in being carnivorous. They are completely 

 digitigrade — that is to say, walk only on the extremity of their 

 toes. In some respects they also exhibit a strong affinity to the 

 dog family (Ganidoe) ; but, authorities on the subject now agree 

 that they form a distinct genus. 



The peculiarity first noticeable in the appearance of these 

 awkward, uncouth-looking brutes is tliat they stand higher in 

 front than they do behind ; a fact accounted for by the way in 

 which the hind legs are bent, and by the fore ones being probably 

 a trifle longer. This strange formation causes them to have that 

 shambling gait for which they are noted. Another remarkable 

 feature about their construction is that they have four toes on 

 each foot ; the members of the cat family having five toes 

 on tbe fore feet and four on the hind ones. The claws of the 

 hyaena are short, thick, pointed and very strong, and are not 

 retractile like those of the Felidce, but are exposed, similar to 

 the claws of a dog. The use to which these weapons can be put 

 in digging up the earth has conferred upon the hygenas an un- 

 enviable character in Eastern countries, for they are said, in com- 

 mon with the jackals, to despoil the graveyards and appease their 



