NATURAL HISTORY OF SOUTH AFRICA 



The young are born and suckled by the mother in 

 a cavity at the end of a burrow, usually in a bank 

 or sod fence. Instead of a burrow, the muishond 

 sometimes takes possession of a crevice in the rocks, 

 in a hollow tree, or fallen log, the rotten pith of 

 which it scrapes out. Sometimes it is found in 

 the deserted holes of other animals. 



The number of young ones at a birth is usually 

 two or three. In captivity the muishond becomes 

 very tame, and in a short while gets attached to 

 whoever is in the habit of feeding it. For many 

 years in Natal I kept muishonds in captivity, 

 sometimes in cages, and at other times chained up. 

 The animal, if chained, must be secured round the 

 loins, as it is able to easily withdraw its head if a 

 strap is fastened round its neck. In captivity the 

 muishond is odourless, and will not eject its dis- 

 gusting fluid unless purposely irritated or fright- 

 ened, nor will it attempt to bite. It can often 

 be tamed so effectually that it may be allowed to 

 roam at large like a household cat, and will not 

 wander away. It is at these times very useful in 

 devouring rats, mice, and troublesome insects, 

 and destroying any snakes which might venture 

 near the homestead. Fowls and pigeons must, 

 however, be kept out of its way. It is far more 

 useful to a farmer than a cat when thoroughly 

 domesticated, for the reason that it burrows 

 into the stacks of forage, lucerne, and other 

 produce after the rats and mice, which do so 



