CATS. 
15 
of the African and the western part of the Indian regions. In 
India it is trained for hunting antelopes and similar game. Its 
speed at times, and for short distances, is marvellous, surpassing 
that of a race-horse, and, when well trained, it always runs down 
its quarry, although in the wild state it uses the same tactics as 
other Cats when stalking its prey, availing itself of every inequality 
of the ground to steal close up to a spot whence it can suddenly 
spring upon the unsuspecting animal. 
The second family of the ^Eluroidea comprises the Hyaenas only [Case 15.] 
(Case 15), of which there are three species — Hycena striata and 
hrunnea, the Striped and Brown Hyaenas, and Hycena crocuta, 
the Spotted Hyaena of South Africa. They are all of about the 
size of a large wolf, of cowardly and nocturnal habits, feeding for 
the most part on carrion, and rarely attacking other animals which 
are able to defend themselves. They have four toes on each of 
their feet, non-retractile claws, and rather short, hairy tails. 
The family Protelidce contains only a single species, the Aard- 
Wolf of the Cape Colony (Proteles cristatus), of which there is a line 
specimen in Case 16. This animal looks like a diminutive hyaena, 
but is almost toothless, living nearly entirely on decomposing car- 
cases, and. on termites, which its strong claws enable it to dig out 
of their nests. 
The last family of the HHuroidea is the ViverridcE, consisting of [Cases 
the Civet-Cats and their allies. These are all comparatively small ^ 
animals, of low build, dull coloration, and with long hairy tails ; 
they are entirely confined to Africa and Southern Asia, with the 
exception of two species which are found in South-western Europe. 
The most noteworthy groups of the Viverridce are: — (I) Crypto- 
procta, containing but one species, the Foussa {C.ferox), peculiar 
to Madagascar, and the largest Carnivore of that island ; it is 
remarkable for its cat-like head, retractile claws, and other feline 
characters. It is quite untamable, and excessively savage when 
caught or wounded. (2) The true Civet-Cats [Viverra), with 
hairy soles and semi-retractile claws, of which there are four 
species, one African and three Indian ; these animals secrete in a 
glandular pouch beneath the tail the scent known as civet, which 
is obtained by the natives from specimens kept in captivity for 
that purpose. (3) The Genets [Genetta), smaller than, but very 
