54 THE BOOK OF THE ANIMAL KINGDOM 



It is, unlike many other animals of a similar nature, a day-hunter. 

 Thus it comes about that it may often be observed and its habits 

 closely studied. All its deeds, as has been mentioned in passing, 

 are not beneficial, for, as Mr. Frank Finn observes, "it is particularly 

 omnivorous, feeding on almost any animal which its great courage 

 and activity enable it to master, and also eating various kinds of 

 fruit. Birds, beasts, reptiles and insects contribute to its fare, and 

 it is doubtful whether it does more good by destroying Rats, Snakes 

 and such-like vermin, or harm by its raids on poultry and its destruc- 

 tion of birds and eggs generally, and harmless and useful reptiles 

 such as Lizards." 



The voice is described as "a sharp yapping bark or yelp, but 

 when irritated, as when disturbed while feeding, it utters a growl 

 remarkably loud for so small an animal. The young of the Mon- 

 goose are produced three or four at a time, and lodged in a burrow, 

 which may be dug by the animal itself." 



At least eight species of Mongooses claim relationship with the 

 typical genus in Africa, whilst a similar number are accounted for 

 in India, Ceylon and Burma. One Indian kind is noted for the fact 

 that it feeds upon Crabs and Frogs, but further observation of this 

 Crab-eating Mongoose is invited. 



The Egyptian Mongoose deserves mention before we strike up 

 an acquaintance with our next pet. This species is an inhabitant 

 of the northern parts of Africa, as well as Palestine, Asia Minor 

 and the southern parts of Spain. It is a large animal, measuring 

 about twenty inches exclusive of the tail, and is said to have a liking 

 for the eggs of Crocodiles. 



That this is a patriarch among Mongooses is proved by the 

 frescoes of the ancient Egyptians, which often contain pictorial 

 references to it. 



RACCOON. — ^The Raccoon (Fig. 46), although a somewhat shy 

 pet, improves on acquaintance, and does well when kept in captivity. 

 It exhibits considerable powers of intelligence and sagacity, and is 

 remarkable for its cleanly virtues with regard to its food, washing 

 the same in water before eating it. There are many points such as 

 this which may be made a note of both by those who keep animals 

 as pets and also as a result of studying wild creatures' ways out of 

 doors. Even the cleanliness of a domestic Cat is worth noticing, 

 for, as the reader will doubtless have observed of his own accord, 

 Pussy goes to infinite pains not only to keep her fur spick and span. 



