THE ICHNEUMONS. 237 
this animal is a light uniform dun, a dark bar being placed like a collar over the back 
of the neck. In some specimens this bar is double, and in all it is so narrow that when 
the animal throws its head backwards the dark line is lost in the lighter fur. Along the 
back runs a broad, singular, darkish stripe. The tail is ringed something like that of the 
Ringed Lemur, and is very full. The term Cacomixle is a Mexican word, and the animal 
is sometimes called by a still stranger name, “Tepemaxthalon.” The scientific title 
“ Bassaris ” is from the Greek, and signifies a fox. 
BANDED MUNGOUS.—Mungos fasciatus. GARANGAN.—Herpestes Javdnicus 
ICHNEUMONS. 
THE two animals which are seen in this engraving are closely allied to each other, but 
are placed in different genera. The left-hand figure represents the creature which is 
known by the name of the BANDED Muncous, and which is an inhabitant of Africa. 
Tt is a small animal, being about the size of a very large water-rat, and is peculiarly 
quick and energetic in its movements. 
The colour of the Banded Mungous is a blackish grizzle, with a chestnut tinge per- 
vading the hind quarters and the tail. Under the chin the fur is of a very light fawn 
colour. Across the back are drawn a row of darker lines, boldly marked towards the 
spine, but fading imperceptibly into the lighter tinted fur of the sides. 
In habits it is singularly brisk and lively, ever restlessly in motion, and accompanying 
its movements with a curious and most unique sound, something like the croak of a 
raven. When excited it pours out a succession of quick chattering sounds, and when its 
feelings are extremely touched it utters sharp screams of rage. If its companions should 
cross its path in its temper it snaps and spits at them like an angry cat, and makes such 
very good use of its teeth that it leaves the marks of its passion for the remainder of the 
victim’s life. Some of these animals, which have lived for a considerable time in the 
