THE Z'E^ICK.—Suricdfa Zenick 



The Zenick, sometimes called the Suricate, is a native of Southern Africa, 

 but not very commonly found. It is not so exclusively carnivorous as the preced- 

 ing animals, being fond of sweet fraits as well as of an animal diet. It is rather a 

 small animal, measuring about eighteen inches in total length, its tail being six 

 inches long. The feet are armed with long and stout claws, by means of which 

 the creature can burrow with some rapidity. The colour is greyish broAvn, with a 

 tinge of yellow, and the upper surface of the body is covered by several obscurely 

 marked bars of a deeper brown hue. A silvery tint is Avashed over the limbs. 

 The tail is brown, tinged with red, and black at the extremity. A few indistinct 

 spots are scattered over the breast. The height of the animal is rather more than 

 six inches. 



The brain is large in proportion to the size of the animal, and, as may be 

 expected, the creature is remarkably docile and intelligent. It is veiy sensitive 

 to kindness, and equally so to harsh treatment, showing great affection towards 

 those who behave well towards it, and biting savagely at any one who treats it 

 unkindly. When domesticated it ranges the house at will, and cannot be induced 

 to leave its home for a life of freedom. Like the Ichneumon, it is an useful inmate 

 to a house, cxtii-pating rats, mice, and other living nuisances. It is offended by a 

 brilliant light, and is best pleased Avhen it can abide in comparative darkness. 

 This nocturnal habit of eye renders it especially useful as a vermin exterminator, 

 as it remains quiet during the hour while the rats, mice, and snakes lie still in 

 their holes, and only issues from its hiding-place when the shades of night give 

 the signal for the mammalian and reptilian vermin to sally forth on their own food- 

 seeking quest. As its eyes arc fitted for nocturnal sight, it becomes a temble 

 enemy to these creatm'cs, creeping quietly upon them and seizing them before 

 they are aware of its proximity. 



