C 1^4 ) 



vermin, which it purfues with ftill greater ardor and dexterity than tlie cat, 

 and is enabled, from the fonr» of his body, to wind into the cavities inha- 

 bited by thofe creatures in the manner of a ferret. It is alfo a fevere enemy 

 to fhakes, v/hich it never fails to dePcroy. In confequence of this faculty of 

 dcilroying vermin, it is frequently domefticated in Egypt, as well as in many 

 parts of the eaftern regions. 



It is an animal of great cleanlinefs, and is eafdy tamed. Its general fize 

 IS fcarce inferior to that of a cat. Its colour is a fort of ferruginous grey, 

 each hair being marked with feveral alternate circles of thofe colours. The 

 head is of a flender form, and the fnout long and fharp : the eyes of a 

 bright fire-colour : the ears Ihort and rounded : the tail very thick of hair at 

 the bafe,, and from thence gradually tapering to the extremity. The teeth are 

 f.xtreinely fharp, and the claws flrong. 



It frequently creeps along on its belly, with a kind of ferpentine motion, 

 and fuddenly fprings on its prey. It is an enemy to the cat, which it is 

 geaerally faid ta conquer and deftroy. 



CUCULUS 



