THE MUNGOOSE 219 



possessed of a long, hairy tail, short legs, and 

 abbreviated, inquisitive-looking ears. They vary 

 somewhat in size according to family, but 

 15 inches might perhaps prove a fair average 

 length. The coat, which is somewhat long, is 

 rather harsh and bristly, banded or striped as the 

 case may be ; but taken altogether the mun- 

 goose impresses one first of all by his air of im- 

 perturbable good humour, and, secondly, by his 

 unceasing restlessness. I feel sure they do a great 

 deal of good in their perpetual warfare against 

 vermin, and regard them as quite as important 

 an adjunct to the African dwelling-house as the 

 domestic cat to that of more temperate climes, if 

 not more so. The latter either grows plethoric, 

 and disinclined to exertion, as the result of repose 

 and over-feeding, or else, smitten with a longing 

 for adventure not usually associated with his 

 eminently respectable appearance, he makes ex- 

 cursions into the bush of longer and longer 

 duration until at length he throws in his lot 

 altogether with uncivilised brethren, and his 

 home knows him no more. 



