THE MEERKAT. 



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NYULA. Herpestes Nyula. 



The word Ichneumon is Greek, and literally signifies a " tracker." 



VERY CLOSELY allied to the Ichneumon, but differing from it in several points, the 

 MEERKAT has been placed in the same genus with that animal by Cuvier and others, 

 but has been separated by later naturalists, because there are only four toes on the 

 hinder feet, and the number of the teeth is not the same. On account of the color of 

 its fur, it has been termed the Ruddy Ichneumon ; and, from the brindlings in the tail, 



MEERKAT.-Cynlctis Levalllantll. 



the Pencilled Ichneumon. It is rather a pretty animal, the tint of its coat being alight 

 tawny brown, and the paws dark. The tail is rather bushy, and brindled with black 

 hairs. It is a native of Southern Africa, and has received its specific title in compli- 

 ment to the well-known African traveller, Le Vaillant. 

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