MANGUSTA JAVANICA. 



colour. A ground of deep brown, passing, with obscure undulations, into black, 

 is variegated with very numerous short longitudinal lines of a tawny colour. This 

 appearance, which is characteristic of all Mangustte, is produced by alternate bands 

 of tawny and brown, of different shades, passing into black, on the separate hairs. 

 The tint is uniform on the whole surface, excepting the upper parts of the head, 

 the forehead, the muzzle, and the feet, which are dark brown inclining to black, 

 with obscure tawny variegations. The upper parts of the back are more intensely 

 coloured, and the under parts throughout are scarcely perceptibly lighter. The 

 separate hairs are stiff and somewhat bristly, but closely applied to the body. In 

 their disposition some peculiarities occur, which are distinctly represented in the 

 figure. A broad tuft of long delicate hairs passes from the temples over the ears, 

 and affords a substantial covering and protection to the auditory passage ; on the 

 anterior parts of the throat, the hairs are regularly directed anteriorly and posteriorly 

 from one point, and spread in a radiated manner. The helix is covered with a very 

 short down. On the upper lip a few stiff bristles of a black colour, nearly an inch 

 in length, are loosely dispersed. The claws are of a brown colour, with a darker 

 tint inclining to black along the upper margin. 



The Mangusta javanica is distinguished by the native name of Garangan. 

 In its habits and manners it resembles the other Mangustae which have been described 

 in detail by various authors. M. Geoffroy had an opportunity of observing and 

 studying the Egyptian species, both in its native country and in Europe ; and 

 M. Fr^d. Cuvier has given the history of the Mangouste de Malacca, as he observed 

 it in the Menagerie of Paris. 



The Mangusta javanica is found most abundant in the large teak forests. Its 

 agility is greatly admired by the natives. It attacks and kills serpents with excessive 

 boldness. The account which the venerable Rumphius gives of this animal, 

 contains various particulars of its history. I shall extract a portion in his own 

 words. " Maxima virtus et officium quod hominibus prestat, est, quod serpentes 

 occidat, quem in finem Magnates Javani eum maxime educant, et pro quivis octo 

 vel decern nummos imperiales solvunt, ut aliquando ludibrium hujus pugnse 

 videant, quae sequenti fit modo. Bini hostes sibi mutuo quum obvii sint, primo 

 tentat anguis more suo Mustelam circumvolvere et enecare. Moncus hoc sibi 

 permittit, sed sese adeo inflat, ut turgeat, quumque serpens eum complectitur, 

 suoque capite ad eum accedit, ut morsum ipsi adferat, tum Moncus corpus suum 

 contrahit, ita ut elabatur, at serpentis collum arrodit, ejusque fauces jugulat." — In 

 referring to my notes, I observe that the mode of attack of the Garangan was stated 

 to me by the natives precisely as it is related by Rumphius ; but the story regarding 



