THE MAMPALON. 



243 



are armed with long and stout claws, by means of which the creature can burrow with 

 some rapidity. The color is grayish brown, with a tinge of yellow, and the upper sur- 

 face of the body is covered by several obscurely marked bars of a deeper brown hue. 

 A silvery tint is washed over the limbs. The tail is brown, tinged with red, and black 

 at the extremity. A^few indistinct spots are sparsley scattered over the breast. The 

 height of the animal is rather more than six inches. 



The brain is large in proportion to the size of the animal, and, as may be expected, 

 the creature is remarkably docile and intelligent. It is very sensitive to kindness, and 

 equally so to harsh treatment, showing great affection towards those who behave well 

 towards it, and bitting savagely at any one who treats it unkindly. When domesti- 

 cated it ranges the house at will, and cannot be induced to leave its home for a life 

 of freedom. Like the Ichneumon, it is an useful inmate of a house, extirpating rats 

 mice, and other living nuisances. It is offended by a brilliant light, and is best pleased 

 when it can abide in comparative darkness. This nocturnal habit of eye renders it 

 especially useful as a vermin exterminator, as it remains quiet during the hour while the 

 rats, mice, and snakes lie still in their holes, and only issues from its hiding-place when the 

 shades of night give the signal for the mammalian and reptilian vermin to sally forth 



MAMPALON. Cyuogale Benettii. 



on their own food-seeking quest. As its eyes are fitted for nocturnal sight, it becomes 

 a terrible enemy to these creatures, creeping quietly upon them, and seizing them before 

 they are aware of its proximity. 



As far as is known, the sense of hearing is rather dull, and seems to assist the animal 

 but little. The Zenick appears to bear some resemblance to our common polecat and 

 ferret ; but it is altogether a curious animal, and stands nearly alone in the animal 

 kingdom. Its walk is less gliding than that of the Ichneumons, and it is able to sit 

 upon its hinder legs, and remain in the erect position for some time. 



IN BORNEO an allied animal is found, which is known in its native country by the 

 title of MAMPALON. 



The so called " whisker hairs " which grow from the lips and behind the eyes are 

 extremely long, and the feet are short, and furnished with five toes. When walking 

 the animal sets the entire sole of its foot on the ground, after the manner called " planti- 

 grade," It is generally found in the neighborhood of rivers. In total length it is about 

 eighteen inches, the tail measuring nearly seven inches. The snout of this animal is 

 rather long, but at its extremity is blunt and slightly depressed. 



