CATALOGUE. 89* 



cepting the upper parts of the head, the forehead, the muzzle, and 

 the feet, which are dark chestnut-brown, with obscure tawny varie- 

 gations. 



In general structure and proportion of limbs and tail, it agrees 

 with the other species of this genus ; it is also provided with an 

 extensive pouch near the root of the tail, formed by the common 

 integuments being greatly distended, and disposed in folds near the 

 anal aperture. 



In its habits and manners, the Herpestes javamcus resembles gene- 

 rally the other species of this genus. In the " Zoological Researches 

 in Java/' the following details are given : " The Garangan is very 

 expert in burrowing in the ground, which process it employs ingeniously 

 in pursuit of rats. It possesses great natural sagacity, and from the 

 peculiarities of its character, it willingly seeks the protection of man. 

 It is readily tamed, and in a domestic state it is docile, and attached to 

 its master, whom it follows like a dog. It is fond of caresses, and fre- 

 quently places itself erect on its hind legs, regarding everything that 

 passes with great attention. It is of a very restless disposition, and 

 always carries its food to the most retired place in which it is kept to 

 consume it. It is very cleanly in its habits. It is exclusively carni- 

 vorous and very destructive to poultry, employing great artifice in the 

 surprising of chickens. For this reason it is rarely found in a domestic 

 state among the natives, as one of their principal articles of food is the 

 common fowl, and great quantities are reared in all the villages. The 

 Javanese also, like Mohammedans in general, have a great partiality for 

 cats, and they are unwilling, in most cases, to be deprived of their 

 society, for the purpose of introducing the Garangan." 



This animal, in Java, is chiefly found in large teak forests, at no 

 great elevation above the sea. Its agility is greatly admired by the 

 natives. It attacks and kills serpents with excessive boldness. Dr. 

 S. Miiller, in his remarks on the Mammalia of the Indian Archipelago, 

 confirms these statements, and especially notices the courage with which* 

 notwithstanding the smallness of its size, it defends itself against every 

 enemy, and the blind ardour with which it pursues its prey or attacks 

 fowls and ducks during the day, notwithstanding the approach of dogs, 

 or the presence of man. (Over de Zoogdieren van den Indischen Ar- 

 chipel. p. 28.) 



The venerable Rumphius, in the appendix to his " Herbarium Am- 

 boinense," gives a full account of this animal, under the name of Ser- 

 penticida. He especially describes its antipathy to serpents, and states 

 that, from this propensity, the nobles of Java occasionally amuse them- 



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