THE ICHNEUMONS. 73 



group of animals, although it can hardly be considered as a true Genett 

 or a true Moongus. The color of 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 backward the dark line is lost in the lighter fur. 



The Cacomixle {Bassams Astuta). 



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 some- 

 times called by a still stranger name, "Tepemaxthalon." The scientific 

 title, " Bassaris," is from the Greek, and signifies " a fox." 



ICHNEUMONS. 



The Ichneumons appear to be the very reptiles of the mammalian 

 animals, in form, habits, and action irresistibly reminding the spectator 

 of the serpent. The sharp and pointed snout, narrow body, short legs, 

 and flexible form permit them to insinuate themselves into marvellously 

 small crevices, and to seek and destroy their prey in localities where it 

 might well deem itself secure. 



The common Ichneumon — or Pharaoh's Rat, as it is popularly but 

 most improperly termed — is plentifully found in Egypt, where it plays 

 a most useful part in keeping down the numbers of the destructive 

 quadrupeds and dangerous reptiles. Small and insignificant as this 

 animal appears, it is a most dangerous foe to the huge crocodile, feed- 

 ing largely upon its eggs, and thus preventing the too rapid increase of 

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