“These animals invariably hunt together in large organised packs, varying in numbers from ten to sixty, and by their extraordinary powers of endurance and mode of mutual assistance, they are enabled to run into the swiftest and overcome the largest and most powerful Antelope. Their pace is a long, never-tiring gallop, and in the chase they relieve one another, the leading Hounds falling to the rear when fatigued, when others who have been husbanding their strength come up and relieve them. Having succeeded in bringing their quarry to bay, they all surround him, and he is immediately dragged to the ground, and in a few minutes torn to pieces and consumed. “Their voices consist of three different kinds of cry, each being used on special occasions. One of their cries is a sharp angry bark, usually uttered when they suddenly behold an object which they cannot make out. Another resembles a number of Monkeys chattering together, or conversing when their teeth are chattering violently from cold. This cry is emitted at night, when large numbers of them are together and they are excited by any particular occurrence, such as being barked at by Domestic Dogs. The third cry, and the one most commonly uttered by them, is a sort of rallying note to bring the various members of the pack together when they have been scattered in following several individuals of a troop of Antelopes. It is a peculiarly soft and melodious cry, yet, nevertheless, may be distinguished at a great distance. It very much resembles the second note uttered by the Cuckoo, which visits our island during the summer months; and when heard on a calm morning echoing through the distant woodlands, it has a very pleasing effect.”[137] [Illustration: HYÆNA DOG.] CHAPTER X. THE BEAR FAMILY.--THE BEARS. Characters of the URSIDÆ--Their Mode of Progression--Teeth--Skull--Geographical Distribution--THE BROWN BEAR--Its Occurrence--Character--Habit of Hibernating--Diet--Moral Characteristics--Bear-baiting--Varieties--THE AMERICAN BLACK BEAR--Its Habits--Superstitions of the Indians regarding it--THE GRIZZLY BEAR--THE SYRIAN BEAR--THE HIMALAYAN BEAR--THE SUN BEAR--THE SLOTH BEAR--Its Ant- and Bee-eating Propensities--THE SPECTACLED BEAR--THE POLAR BEAR--Its Size--Characteristics--Habits--Method of Hunting--The supposed Poisonous Properties of its Liver. THE BEAR FAMILY.[138]