ICHNEUMON. 



It also diligently seeks for the eggs of crocodiles; 

 for which reason, as well as for its general useful- 

 ness in destroying all manner of troublesome rep- 

 tiles, it was held in such a high degree of vene- 

 ration by the ancient ^Egpytians as to be regarded 

 in the light of a minor deity, or one of those be- 

 nevolent beings proceeding from the Parent of the 

 universe. For the purposes above specified it is 

 still domesticated by the Indians and ./Egyptians, 

 in the same manner as the Cat in Europe; and it 

 has also the merit of being easily tamed, and of 

 performing all the services of the Cat with a still 

 greater degree of vigor and alacrity. When in 

 pursuit of prey, it sometimes springs suddenly upon 

 it v/ith the greatest agility, and, at other times, 

 will glide along the ground like a Serpent, with- 

 out raising its body, till it arrives at a proper 

 distance for its intended attack. Like many 

 other animals of this tribe, it is a most dangerous 

 enemy to several creatures larger than itself; 

 over which it gains a ready victory, by fastening 

 itself upon them, and sucking their blood. In a 

 wild state it is said principally to frequent the 

 banks of rivers, and, in times of flood, to approach 

 the higher grounds, and inhabited places, in quest 

 of prey. It is reported to swim and dive occa- 

 sionally, in the manner of the Otter, and to con- 

 tinue beneath the water for a great length of 

 time. 



The Ichneumon is found not only in various 

 parts ' of India, but in the Indian islands, as Cey- 

 lon and others. It also occurs in many parts of 



