OEDEE OF OAENIVOEA. 



423 



thougli not so greatly developed, and essentially aquatic habits. 

 Its body is elongated, it stands low, and its tail is of medium 

 length; in size it is about equal to the Zibetha. It was brought 

 from Borneo by Mr. Bennet ; until the present time it has not 

 been found elsewhere. 



Genus Ictides. — The Ictides are animals belonging to Java and 

 Sumatra; they have tufts of long hair growing on their ears, 

 giving them a very singular appearance. They use their long 

 prehensile tails in climbing trees. Only one species is known, 

 and this is entirely black, with the exception of some grey spots 

 on the face and limbs. 



Genus Coati. — The various genera of Viverridas that we have 

 just passed in review are all peculiar to the Old World ; the genus 



^.i 



'%'f 



% 







Fig. 171. — Paradoxurus (F. Cuv.l,, 



Coati belongs to America. The Ooatis inhabit the warm portions 

 of the New World — Mexico, Columbia, Peru, Guiana, Brazil, and 

 Paraguay. Their collective characteristics permit them to be 

 readily recognised. They have a narrow head, terminating in a 

 salient, mobile muzzle, like that of the Manguls ; and, in addition, 

 their tongue is soft and extensible. Their mode of progression, 

 which is plantigrade, gives to all their movements an appearance 

 of clumsiness. Their claws are very strong, and serve to carry 

 food to the mouth. The Coati (Fig. 172) is about the size of 

 the domestic Cat, and exhales a disagreeable odour ; its fur is 

 harsh, dry, and of no value. 



The Coatis easdy climb trees, descending, head downwards, 

 without the slightest difficulty. Their alimentary regime is com- 

 posed of small mammals, birds, eggs, insects, and fruits. Their 



