CATALOGUE. 113 



in the black mould, with considerable ingenuity. Having selected a 

 spot, defended above by the roots of a large tree, it constructs a cell 

 or chamber, of a globular form, having a diameter of several feet, the 

 sides of which it makes perfectly smooth and regular ; this it provides 

 with a subterraneous conduit or avenue, about six feet in length, the 

 external entrance to which it conceals with twigs and dry leaves. 

 During the day it remains concealed, like a badger in its hole ; at 

 night it proceeds in search of its food, which consists of insects and 

 their larvae, and of worms of every kind : it is particularly fond of the 

 common lumbrici, or earth-worms, which abound in the fertile mould. 

 These animals, agreeably to the information of the natives, live in pairs, 

 and the female produces two or three young at a birth. 



The motions of the Mydaus are slow, and it is easily taken by the 

 natives, who by no means fear it. During my abode on the Mountain 

 Prahu, I engaged them to procure me individuals for preparation ; and 

 as they received a desirable reward, they brought them to me daily in 

 greater numbers than I could employ. Whenever the natives surprise 

 them suddenly, they prepare them for food, the flesh is then scarcely 

 impregnated with the offensive odour, and is described as very delicious. 

 The animals are generally in excellent condition, as their food abounds 

 in the fertile mould. 



The Mydaus is not ferocious in its manners, and taken young, like 

 the badger, it might easily be tamed. An individual which I kept some 

 time in confinement, afforded me an opportunity of observing its dis- 

 position ; it soon became gentle, and reconciled to its situation, and did 

 not at any time emit the offensive fluid. I carried it with me from the 

 Mountain Prahu to Blederan, a village on the declivity of that mountain, 

 where the temperature was more moderate. While a drawing was 

 made, the animal was tied to a small stake ; it moved about quietly, 

 burrowing in the ground with its snout and feet, as if in search of food, 

 without taking notice of the bystanders, or making violent efforts to 

 disengage itself ; on earth-worms (lumbrici) being brought, it ate them 

 voraciously ; holding one extremity of a worm with its claws, its teeth 

 were employed in tearing the other : having consumed about ten or 

 twelve, it became drowsy, and making a small groove in the earth in 

 which it placed its snout, it composed itself deliberately, and was soon 

 sound asleep. 



" Notwithstanding the intolerably offensive stench and exhalation of 

 this animal, its flesh is considered savoury by the Sundaneese of Western 

 Java, and Dr. S. Miiller informs us that it is eaten by the natives after 

 the removal of the glands which secrete the offensive fluid." 



Q 



