264 HISTORY OF OUADRUPEDS. 





THE FOSSANE. 



(La Fossa i ic, Buff. 



Is rather smaller than the Martin. Its body is 

 slender, and covered with hair of an ash colour, 

 mixed with tawny ; the sides of the face are black ; 

 at the hind part of the head there are four black 

 lines, extending from thence towards the shoulders ; 

 the tail is long, and annulated with black; its eye 

 is full, round and black, which gives it a wild and 

 mischievous aspect. 



It inhabits the island of Madagascar, Guinea, 

 Cochin-China, and the Philippine Isles. It feeds 

 on flesh and fruits, but prefers the latter, and is 

 peculiarly fond of bananas. It is very fierce, and 

 not easily tamed. 



In Guinea, it is called the Berbe; and by Europe- 

 ans, the Wine-bibber y being very greedy of palm- 

 wine. When young, its flesh is reckoned very 

 good to eat. 



