THE MUNGOOSE 



THESE curious civet-like animals were formerly 

 known as ichneumons. The first species which 

 came under the notice of naturalists was the Egyp- 

 tian ichneumon, otherwise called Pharaoh's Rat. 

 It was a familiar animal to the ancient Egyptians 

 four thousand and more years ago, and was held 

 sacred by them. Its form may be seen depicted 

 on their frescoes. 



However, when many other species or kinds of 

 ichneumons were discovered it was decided to 

 abandon the name ichneumon and substitute Mun- 

 goose, which is the native Indian name for a species 

 inhabiting India. The true mungooses all have 

 long, tapering bodies and tails, and their faces are 

 acutely pointed. There are a large number of kinds 

 of these animals. They inhabit nearly the whole 

 of Africa and extend into Spain, and eastwards 

 through the southern parts of Asia. The habits 

 and ways of the various species differ but little. 

 They are all cunning and secretive, yet bold and 

 predaceous, preying upon small animals, birds, 

 reptiles, and insects. When hard pressed for food 

 they resort to berries, fruits, roots, herbs, &c. 

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