274 HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS. 



The Spotted HYENA 



is called, at the Cape of Good Hope, the Tiger-Wolf; 



and is very common in that part of the world. Sparr- 



man defcribes it as a cruel, mifchievous, and formidable 

 animal. — Its horrid yells are to be heard every night, 

 whilft it prowls about for its prey, and lurks near farm- 

 yards, where cattle are kept. Thefe are well defended 

 by Dogs, of which the Hyena, though larger and ftrong- 

 er, is much afraid ; and will not venture an attack, un- 

 lefs prelTed by the molt urgent neceffity : Neither will it 

 dare to feize upon any of the larger animals, fuch as Ox- 

 en, Cows, Horfes, &c. whilft they make the leaft ap- 

 pearance of defending themfelves, or even if they do not 

 betray any fymptoms of fear. It fometimes endeavours 

 to difperfe the cattle by its hideous roaring ; after which 

 it felecTts and purfues one of them, which it foon difables 

 by a deadly bite, and then devours. 



Thefe animals were formerly fo bold, as to moleft the 

 Hottentots in their huts, and fometimes carry off their 

 children ; but, fiace the introduction of fire-arms, thofe 



