THE MAMPALON. 243 
are armed with long and stout claws, by means of which the creature can burrow with 
some rapidity. The colour is ereyish brown, with a tinge of yellow, and the upper surface 
of the body is covered by several obscurely marked bars of a deeper brown hue. A 
silvery tint is washed over the limbs. The tail is brown, tinged with red, and black at 
the extremity. A few indistinct spots are sparsely scattered over the breast. The height 
of the animal is rather more than six inches. 
The brain is large in proportion to the size of the animal, and, as may be expected, 
the creature is remarkably docile and intelligent. It is very sensitive to kindness, and 
equally so to harsh treatment, showing great affection towards those who behave well 
towards it, and biting savagely at any one who treats it unkindly.. When domesticated 
it ranges the house at w ill, and cannot be induced to leave its home for a life of freedom. 
Like the Ichneumon, it is an useful inmate of a house, extirpating rats, mice, and other 
living nuisances. It is offended by a brilliant light, and is best pleased when it can abide 
in comparative darkness. This nocturnal habit of eye renders it especially useful as a 
vermin exterminator, as it remains quiet during the hour while the rats, mice, and snakes 
fie still in their holes, and only issues from its hiding-place when the shades of night give 
the signal for the mammalian and reptilian vermin to sally forth on their own food- 
seeking quest. As its eyes are fitted for nocturnal sight, it becomes a terrible enemy to 
these creatures, creeping quietly upon them, and seizing them before they are aware of its 
proximity. 
As far as is known, the sense of hearing is rather dull, and seems to assist the animal 
but little. The Zenick appears to bear some resemblance to our common polecat and 
ferret ; but it is altogether a curious animal, and stands nearly alone in the animal king- 
dom. Its walk is less gliding than that of the Iechneumons, and it is able to sit upon its 
hinder legs, and remain in the erect position for some time. 
MAMPALON.—Cynogule Bennet. 
In Borneo, an allied animal is found, which is known in its native country by the 
title of MAMPALON. 
‘The so called “whisker hairs” which grow from the lips and behind the eyes are 
extremely long, and the feet are short, and furnished with five toes. When walking, the 
animal sets the entire sole of its foot on the ground, after the manner called “planti- 
grade.” It is generally found in the neighbourhood of rivers. In total leneth it is about 
eighteen inches, the tail measuring nearly seven inches. The snout of this animal is 
rather long, but at its extremity is bhut and shehtly depressed. 
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