94 WILD BEASTS OF THE WORLD 



an encounter with such dangerous quarry if easier game is available. In 

 its fights with such foes, it relies on its extreme activity to escape their 

 fangs, and, as it bristles up its long wiry coat when attacking, and has a 

 tough thick skin, they have the less chance of making an impres- 

 sion on it. 



If fairly bitten, however, the Mongoose succumbs ultimately just 

 as any other animal would do, though it seems to have some power 

 of resistance to the poison. The idea that it seeks an antidote in 

 some (unknown) herb is of course erroneous. 



The voice of the Mongoose is 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 Mongoose 

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

 may be dug by the animal itself. 



This animal is readily tamed when taken young, and becomes a 

 very affectionate as well as interesting and intelligent pet, though it 

 is of course a dangerous companion for other animals. One specimen 

 kept by Sterndale, which was devoted to its master and would perform 

 many amusing tricks, killed a tame cock Bustard {Eupodotis edwardsi\ 

 a bird as large as a big Turkey-cock, and even attacked a Greyhound. 



The results of the introduction abroad of this animal is often cited 

 as an example of the harm done by upsetting the balance of nature — 

 though it must be remembered that this may be done in other ways 

 than by introducing a new wild creature into a country, the mere 

 settlement of any region by man producing a greater disturbance of 

 conditions than anything else could effect. The Mongoose was intro- 

 duced into Jamaica to kill down the sugar-cane Rats, and did so to 

 such purpose that in only ten years from the original introduction of 

 nine specimens, it was estimated to be saving the colony j£ioo,oop to 

 j£i 50,000 annually. 



After this, however, it became too numerous, finding, probably, too 

 few natural enemies ; for in its native country, what with Pythons, the 

 great Monitor Lizards, the numerous birds of prey, Wild Cats, Jackals, 

 and other carnivorous creatures stronger than itself, there are plenty 



