t. These profit by all the exterior
circumstances which are capable of frightening the game, of stunning
it, and of rendering capture easy. But it is by studying each separate
feature that we shall best be able to observe the close way in which
these industries are related to our own. It is impossible to bring
forward all the facts relating to the search for prey among animals;
we can only take a few as signposts which mark the road.

_Hunting in ambush._--The most rudimentary method of hunting in ambush
is simply to take advantage of some favourable external circumstance
to obtain concealment, and then to await the approach of the prey.
Some animals place themselves behind a tuft of grass, others thrust
themselves into a thicket, or hang on to the branch of a tree in order
to fall suddenly on the victim who innocently approaches the
perfidious ambush. The Crocodile, as described by Sir Samuel Baker,
conceals himself by his skill in plunging noiselessly. On the bank a
group of birds have alighted. They search the mud for insects or
worms, or simply to approach the stream to drink or bathe. In spite of
his great size and robust appetite the Crocodile does not disdain this
slight dish; but the least noise, the least wrinkle on the surface of
the water would cause the future repast to vanish. The reptile
plunges, the birds continue without suspicion to come and go. Suddenly
there emerges before them the huge open jaw armed with formidable
teeth. In the moment of stupor and immobility which this unforeseen
apparition produces a few imprudent birds have disappeared within the
reptile's mouth, while the others fly away. In the same sly and brutal
manner he snaps up dogs, horses, oxen, and even men who come to the
river to drink.

One of the most dangerous ambushes which can be met on the road by
animals who resort to a spring is that prepared by the Python. This
gigantic snake hangs by his tail to the branch of a tree and lets
himself droop down like a long creeper. The victim who comes within
his reach is seized, enrolled, pounded in the knots which the snake
forms around him. It is not necessary to multiply examples of this
simple and widespread method of hunting.

Not content with utilising the natural arrangements they meet with,
there are animals which construct genuine ambushes, acting thus like
Man, who builds in the middle or on the edge of ponds, cabins in which
to await wild ducks, or who digs in the path of a li