THE ICHNEUMONS. 



189 



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 MUNGOUS, and which is an inhabitant of Africa. It is a small animal, 

 being about the size of a very large water-rat, and is peculiarly quick and energetic in its 

 movements. 



The color of the Banded Mungous is a blackish grizzle, with a chestnut tinge pervading 

 the hind quarters and the tail. Under the chin the fur is of a very light fawn color. Across 

 the back are drawn a row of darker lines, boldly marked towards the spine, but fading imper- 

 ceptibly 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. 



BANDED MUNGOUS. Mwigos J'aiddtat. 



GAHANGAN. I/erpestes Javdnicuf. 



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 same cage, have lost a large 

 portion of their tails by the teeth of their comrades. Still it is very playful, and sports with 

 its companions in a curiously kitten-like manner 



It is extremely active with its fore-paws, armed as they are with their long claws, and 

 scratches in a very absurd and amusing manner at anything that may take its attention. It is 

 a very agile climber, running over the bars of its cage and up the tree-branches with great ease 

 and rapidity, and can spring upon an object from some distance, and with admirable accuracy 

 of aim. The eye of this animal is of a light brown, and very brilliant. 



THE EIOHT-HAND figure upon the same engraving represents the GABANGAN, or Javanese 

 Ichneumon. As is evident by the name, it is an inhabitant of Java. In size it equals the last 

 mentioned animal. Its color is nearly uniform, and consists of a bright rich chestnut on the 

 body, and a lighter fawn color on the head, throat, and under parts of the body. 



This little animal is found in great numbers inhabiting the teak forests, where it finds 

 ample subsistence in the snakes, birds, and small quadrupeds. The natives assert whether 



