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THE MOONGUS. 



indefatigable destroyer of rats, mice, and the various reptiles, and is on that account 

 highly valued and protected. Being, as are Ichneumons in general, extremely cleanly 

 in manners, and very susceptible of domestication, it is kept tame in many families, 

 and does good service in keeping the houses clear of the various animated pests that 

 render an Indian town a disagreeable and sometimes a dangerous residence. 



In its customs it very much resembles the cat, and is gifted with all the inquisitive 

 nature of that animal. When first introduced into a new locality it runs about the place, 

 insinuating itself into every hole and corner, and sniffing curiously at every object with 

 which it comes in contact. Even in its wild state it exhibits the same qualities, and 

 by a careful observer may be seen questing about in search of its food, exploring every 

 little tuft of vegetation that comes in its way, running over every rocky projection, and 

 thrusting its sharp snout into every hollow. Sometimes it buries itself entirely in some 

 little hole, and when it returns to light drags with it a mole, a rat, or some such creature, 

 which had vainly sought security in its narrow domicile. 



MOONQUS.-//erpestes Grlseus. 



While eating, the Ichneumon is very tetchy in its temper, and will very seldom endure 

 an interruption of any kind. In order to secure perfect quiet while taking its meals, 

 it generally carries the food into the most secluded hiding-place that it can find, and 

 then commences its meal in solitude and darkness. The color of the Moongus is a 

 gray liberally frecked with darker hairs, so as to produce a very pleasing mixture of 

 tints. It is not so large an animal as its Egyptian relative. 



The grizzled markings upon the fur of the NYULA are of a singularly beautiful 

 character, and form a closely set zigzag pattern over the entire surface of the head, 

 body, and limbs. 



The pattern is very like that which is seen in some woven fabrics, or fine basket-work. 

 Upon the back and body this pattern is tolerably large, but upon the head it becomes 

 gradually smaller, and upon the upper portion of the nose is almost microscopically 

 small, though as perfect and uniform as that upon the body, so that it is among the 

 most elegantly colored examples of the Ichneumons. The paws are dark, and devoid 

 of that pretty variegation which extends over the upper surface of the animal. 



