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 12% to 15 inches; of tail, 
6% 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. 
Il. THE GAMBIAN CUSIMANSE. CROSSARCHUS GAMBIANUS. 
Herpestes gambianus, Ogilby, Proc. Zool. Soc. 1835, p. 102. 
Mungos gambianus, 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 Herfestes 
vitticollis. Length of head and body, 15 inches. 
- Distribution. —West Africa (Gambia), 
7 T 
