HYAENA. 
196 
the natural disposition of the animal, which is fierce^ 
cruel, and rapacious. 
The hyaena which we saw in the collection at 
Exeter Change was about the size of a large dog, 
but of a much more compact and muscular form. 
The hair upon the body was long and coarse ; but 
the most remarkable part was the bristly mane, 
which extended from the head to the end of the 
tail, and was constantly erected whenever the ani- 
mal was pfovoked. Long dark-coloured stripes, 
beautifully disposed in waves, ornamented its back 
and sides, making us some amends for the horrid 
glare of its eyes, which we could not contemplate 
without a mingled sensation of detestation and ter- 
ror. This animal has lived in the menagerie for 
the last six years, in perfect health, notwithstanding 
the rough usage it daily receives from its keeper, 
who is not sparing of his blows whenever the com- 
pany wish to see it enraged. The average allow- 
ance of food is four pounds of shin of beef a day, 
which it devours at different times with a most 
voracious appetite. The hyaena is lower behind 
than it is before, and when feeding constantly erects 
the bristles on its back, contracts itself as much as 
possible, shows its white teeth, and looks truly 
formidable. 
It is remarkable that this animal is completely 
covered with hair, except on the ears, which are 
bare. 
The hyaena is a savage, unsociable, and solitary 
animal ; it resides in dark caverns, in the clefts of 
