THE ICHNEUMONS. 



237 



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 backwards the dark line is lost in the lighter fur. 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 sometimes called by a still stranger name, " Tepemaxthalon." The 

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



BANDED MUNGOUS.-/Wi/fl#os fasclatus. 



GARANQAN. Herpestes Javaalcus. 



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 per- 

 vading 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 imperceptibly 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. 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 



