24.0 THE MOONGUS. 
indefatigable destroyer of rats, mice, and the various reptiles, and is on that account highly 
valued and protected. Being, as are Ichneumons in general, extremely cleanly in manners, 
and very susceptible of domestication, it is kept tame in many families, and does good 
service in keeping the houses clear of the various animated pests that render an Indian 
town a disagreeable and sometimes a dangerous residence, 
In its customs it very much resembles the cat, and is gifted with all the inquisitive 
nature of that animal. When first introduced into a new locality it runs about the place, 
insinuating itself into every hole and corner, and sniffing curiously at every object with 
which it comes in contact. Even in its wild state it exhibits the same qualities, and by 
a careful observer may be seen questing about in search of its food, exploring every little 
tuft of vegetation that comes in its way, running over every rocky projection, and 
thrusting its sharp snout into every hollow. Sometimes it buries itself entirely in some 
MOONGUS.—Herpestes Griseus. 
little hole, and when it returns to light drags with it a mole, a rat, or some such creature, 
which had vainly sought security in its narrow domicile. 
While eating, the lchneumon is very tetchy in its temper, and will very seldom endure 
an interruption of any kind. In order to secure perfect quiet while taking its meals, it 
generally carries the food into the most secluded hiding-place that it can find, and then 
commences its meal in solitude and darkness. The colour of the Moongus is a grey, 
liberally frecked with darker hairs, so as to produce a very pleasing mixture of tints. It 
is not so large an animal as its Egyptian relative. 
The grizzled markings upon the fur of the Nyuna are of a singularly beautiful 
character, and form a closely set zigzag pattern over the entire surface of the head, body, 
and limbs. 
The pattern is very like that which is seen in some woven fabrics, or fine basket-work. 
Upon the back and body this pattern is tolerably large, but upon the head it becomes 
gradually smaller, and upon the upper portion of the nose is almost microscopically small, 
though as perfect and uniform as that upon the body, so that it is among the most 
elegantly coloured examples of the Ichneumons. The paws are dark, and devoid of that 
pretty variegation which extends over the upper surface of the animal. 
