HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS. 263 



the Cape of Good Hope. They frequent the banks 

 of rivers, are fond of fish, are said to take the water 

 like an Otter, and will continue in it a considerable 

 time without rising to take breath. 



The Ichneumon varies in size. The domestic 

 kind is generally larger than those that are wild, 

 and its colours more variegated. It is in general 

 about the size of a common Cat; somewhat longer 

 in the body, and shorter in the legs. Its fur con- 

 tains tints of white, brown, fawn colour, and a 

 dirty silver grey, which altogether form a mixture 

 very agreeable to the eye. Its form is like that of 

 the Polecat. Its eyes are small, but inflamed, and 

 sparkle with a singular vivacity; its nose is long 

 and slender; its ears small, rounded, and almost 

 naked; its tail is very thick at the base, and tapers 

 to a point; underneath the tail is an orifice, from 

 which a most fetid humour is secreted; its claws 

 are long. It darts upon its prey like an arrow, and 

 seizes it with inevitable certainty. 



It has a small soft voice, somewhat like a mur- 

 mur; and, unless struck or irritated, never exerts 

 it. When it sleeps, it folds itself up like a ball, 

 and is not easily awaked. It frequently sits up like 

 a Squirrel, and feeds itself with its fore feet; 

 catches any thing that is thrown to it; and will 

 often feign itself dead, till its prey come within its 

 reach. 



