1888-89.] '^^'■^ Ichneinnoii or Miingoos. 259 



he hunted round the room, and the rat, coming in the opposite 

 direction, ran into him, when he gave it one bite across the head 

 and settled it. The rat was then taken from him and thrown 

 out of the window, when he went all over the place hunting 

 for more, and presently his tail began to swell and his hair to 

 stick out, and he gave two or three screams that had the effect 

 of making one and all beat a hasty retreat ; so it was thought 

 better in future not to arouse the savage part of his nature. 

 He used to be fed principally on cat's meat, as he preferred it 

 to any sort of cooked food, and it was his custom to wait for 

 me every morning at the top of the stairs for his breakfast. 

 In fact, he used to come out once or twice a-day and stand 

 looking at me with his head twisted on one side, when I 

 would go to my pockets and see what I had got for him. He 

 could, however, pretty well tell by smell what was there, as 

 he was always sure to be around if I brought any bread and 

 jam for tea. Jam he was very fond of, and esteemed it such 

 a delicacy that it was never safe even in my pocket, as. if 

 opportunity offered, he invariably helped himself. He knew 

 well that he had done wrong on such occasions, and never put 

 in an appearance till he thought the offence was forgotten. 

 At dinner-time and tea-time lie was always on the look-out. 

 As soon as he heard the arrival of the tea-man and the cups 

 begin to rattle, he came out of his box ; and instead of coming 

 in a direct line to where I was sitting, he would make a 

 complete circuit of the room, and end by jumping into my 

 lap, turn himself on his back, and commence snapping and 

 biting like a puppy. I would lift him by the ear, the fore- 

 feet, and the tail, when he would catch hold of my fingers in 

 his mouth in play. It sometimes happened, however, that 

 when I pinched him too hard he returned the compliment 

 with interest, and gave me a good bite, when he immediately 

 made for his box. It was in this connection that I particu- 

 larly admired the sagacity of the animal, for, besides keeping 

 out of the way for a day or two afterwards, he would, when 

 he ultimately came out, stand at a distance watching me with 

 his head turned on one side to see on what terms we were, 

 and if I put on an angry expression, without moving hand or 

 foot, he was into his box again like a shot. He was very 

 affectionate, and would come and hold up his head to have his 



