200 THE EGYPTIAN MANGOUSTE. 



It has a large posterior pouch, provided with glands, which 

 secrete an odorous matter. 



It frequents the banks of rivers, and is said to swim and dive 

 with great dexterity, much after the manner of the otter, and 

 remain under water for a long time. When inundations occur, 

 owing to the overflowing of the rivers, the mangouste repairs 

 to higher ground, and approaches inhabited places in search 

 of food. 



It sleeps during the greater part of the day, reposing coiled 

 up with the head between the legs, and is not easily awakened. 

 Towards night, however, it rouses up ; and is very active in quest 

 of rats, mice, birds, snakes, lizards, young crocodiles, and the 

 eggs of these reptiles, insects, and snails. Its courage, strength, 

 and agility, are quite equal to its rapacity -, for it will quickly 

 strangle a cat though stronger and larger than itself ; and often 

 attacks dogs, which, however bold at first, soon learn to 

 acknowledge the mangouste as a formidable enemy. Neither 

 the sharp talons of the vulture, nor the venomous fangs of the 

 serpent, can deter it from attacking even these larger animals. 

 It advances towards its prey silently and cautiously, varying 

 its pace and attitude as may be necessary ; but sometimes it 

 lengthens itself and creeps stealthily along the ground, carrying 

 its head high. In seizing a snake it generally contrives very 

 adroitly to catch the reptile by the throat, in such a manner 

 that it cannot retaliate by means of its fangs. 



" Thus oft th' ichneumon on the banks of Nile, 

 Invades the deadly aspic by a wile ; 

 While artfully his slender tail is play'd, 

 The serpent darts upon the dancing shade ; 

 Then turning on the foe, with swift surprise, 

 Full on the throat the nimble seizer flies ; 

 The gasping snake expires beneath the wound, 

 His gushing jaws with poisonous floods abound, 

 And shed the fruitless mischief on the ground." 



(Lucan's Pharsalia, A. D. 62.) 



In consequence of the great utility of this animal in reducing 

 the number of crocodiles, snakes, and other disagreeable creatures, 

 the ancient Egyptians held it in religious veneration, worshipping 



