The relationships of the Aard-Wolf are well shown by its external appearance. It has the sloping back of a Hyæna, owing to the fore legs being longer than the hind legs; but its head is quite Civet-like, the snout being long and pointed, and altogether unlike a Hyæna’s. Its size is that of a full-grown Fox, but it stands higher upon its legs; its ears are considerably larger and more naked, and its tail shorter and not so bushy. At first sight it might be easily mistaken for a young Striped Hyæna, so closely does it resemble that animal in the colours and peculiar markings of its fur, and in the mane of long stiff hair which runs along the neck and back; indeed, it is only to be distinguished by its more pointed head, and by the additional fifth toe of the fore-feet. It is also quite Hyæna-like in colour, being of a dull yellowish-grey tint, and marked with dark brown stripes and a black muzzle. [Illustration: SKULL OF AARD-WOLF.] The skull has all the essential characters of that of a Viverrine, the form to which it approaches most nearly being the Ichneumon. The teeth are also Civet-like, but in the characters of its internal organs it approaches more nearly to the Hyænas. “In its habits and manners the Aard-Wolf resembles the Fox. Like that animal it is nocturnal, and constructs a subterraneous burrow, at the bottom of which it lies concealed during the day-time, and only ventures abroad on the approach of night to search for food, and satisfy the other calls of nature. It is fond of the society of its own species; at least many individuals have been found residing together in the same burrow; and, as they are of a timid and wary character, they have generally three or four entrances to this hole; so that, if attacked on one side, they may secure a retreat in an opposite direction. Notwithstanding the disproportionate length of their fore legs, they are said to run very fast, and so strong is their propensity to burrow, that one of M. Delalande’s specimens, perceiving itself about to be run down or captured, immediately ceased its flight, and began to scratch up the ground, as if with the intention of making a new earth.” Its food consists very largely of carrion, but it also devours Ants. Owing to the former “high” kind of diet, the animal is generally possessed of an extremely bad smell.