THE GAMBIAN CUSIMANSE. 273 



I, THE CUSIMANSE. CROSSARCHUS OBSCURUS. 



Crossarchus obscurus, F. Cuvier, Hist. Nat. Mamm. pt. xlvii. 

 (1825); Thomas, Proc. Zool. Soc. 1882, p. 87. 



Characters. — The distinctive feature of this species is the 

 grizzled dull brown colour of the fur of the back, in which the 

 tips of the hairs are yellow, and there is no trace of cross- 

 barring. 



Size medium ; form rather stout ; muzzle elongated ; tail 

 about half the length of the head and body. General colour 

 dull grizzled brown; the longer hairs dark brown for four- 

 fifths of their length, with yellow tips ; under-fur brown at 

 the roots and grey above ; head more finely grizzled than the 

 back, with a rufous tinge ; at the extremity of the tail the 

 yellow tips of the hairs changing to red ; feet nearly black. 

 Length of head and body, from i2}4 to 15 inches; of tail, 

 6}4 to 7^ inches. 



Distribution. — West Africa (Cameruns and Congo). 



Habits. — This species is stated to probe in soft ground for 

 insects with its muzzle, the elongated form of which would 

 appear well suited for such a purpose. 



II. THE GAMBIAN CUSIMANSE. CROSSARCHUS GAMBIANUS. 



Herpestes gambianus, Ogilby, Proc. Zool. Soc. 1835, p. 102. 

 Mungos gambia?ius, Gray, Proc. Zool. Soc. 1864, p. 575. 

 Crossarchus gambianus, Thomas, Proc. Zool. Soc. 1882, p. 88. 



Characters. — Differs from the last in the general colour being 

 grey, and likewise in the annulated hairs, which are, however, 

 not so arranged as to produce cross-bands on the hinder part 

 of the body. The latter region accordingly differs from the 

 shoulders only in being more rufous. Neck and chest white ; 

 a distinct black streak on the side of the neck, as in Herpestes 

 vitticollis. Length of head and body, 15 inches. 



Distribution. — West Africa (Gambia). 



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