THE ICHNEUMONS. 55 
tirely black but for a bold patch of white fur on the upper lip, and a less 
decidedly white mark by the nose, The feet are supplied with retractile 
claws, so that the animal can deal a severe blow with its outstretched talons, 
or climb trees with the same ease and rapidity which is found in the cat 
tribe. 
VERY different from the Genetts in its appearance is the CACOMIXLE, 
although it is closely allied to them. 
It is remarkable as being a Mexican representative of the Genett group of 
animals, although it can hardly be considered as a true Genett or a true 
Moongus. The colour of this animal is a light uniform dun, a dark bar 
being placed like a collar over the back of the neck. In some specimens 
this bar is double, and in all it is so narrow that when the animal throws its 
head backwards the dark line is lost in the lighter fur. Along the back runs 
ri 2 
CACOMIXLE.—(Bassaris Astuta.) 
a broad, singular, darkish stripe. The tail is ringed something like that of 
the Ringed Lemur, and is very full. The term Cacomixle is a Mexican word, 
and the animal is sometimes called by a still stranger name, “ Tepemaxthalon.” 
The scientific title “ Bassaris ” is from the Greek, and signifies a fox. 
ICHNEUMONS. 
The ICHNEUMONS appear to be the very reptiles of the mammalian ani- 
mals, in form, habits, and action, irresistibly reminding the spectator of the 
serpent. The sharp and pointed snout, narrow body, short legs, and flexible 
form, permit them to insinuate themselves into marvellously small crevices 
and to seek and destroy their prey in localities where it might well deem 
itself secure. 
_ The common Ichneumon, or Pharaoh’s Rat, as it is popularly but most 
improperly termed, is plentifully found in Egypt, where it plays a most useful 
part in keeping down the numbers of the destructive quadrupeds and dange- 
