THE SURICATE. 203 



having only four toes on each foot. It is also higher on its 

 legs, and its pouch extends into the anus. Its fur is rough 

 and dull brown, inclining to a fawn colour underneath, and 

 crossed by slight bands principally on the back -, the skin itself 

 is of a tan colour on the naked parts -, its limbs have a silvery 

 tint 5 the soles of the feet are covered with a soft and hairless 

 skin, like that of the human hand ; the toes are armed with 

 long and digging nails ; the nose is raised, and prominent ; 

 the nostrils formed like those of dogs ; its whiskers consist of 

 fine silky hairs j and its tail is about two-thirds the length 

 of the body. 



Its sense of smelling is very acute ; but its hearing is rather 

 feeble, as also is its sight, for it cannot bear a strong light, 

 and sees best in obscurity. It can proceed with tolerable 

 quickness, placing the entire, sole on the ground, in the plan- 

 tigrade fashion. When resting it will sometimes stand upright 

 on its hind legs. It ferrets about in search of prey, thrusting 

 its flexible and intelligent nose into every hole and corner, and 

 when it smells something fit to make a meal of, it seizes it and 

 instantly devours it. Small mammals, birds, fish, and eggs, 

 are its favourite kinds of food 5 but sweet fruits are also to 

 its liking. 



The suricate is easily tamed, and will make itself quite at 

 home in its domestic state. M. de Sere procured a very fine 

 one, which he at first fed with milk ; but it soon evinced an 

 inclination for raw meat, poultry, fish, and eggs. It would 

 even take the eggs out of the saucepan they were about to be 

 boiled in, and carry them off in its paws. Like a squirrel it 

 used its fore-feet to convey food to its mouth, and lapped its 



