THE MUNGOOSE 
THESE curious civet-like animals were formerly 
known as ichneumons. The first species which 
came under the notice of naturalists was the Egyp- 
tian ichneumon, otherwise called Pharaoh’s Rat. 
It was a familiar animal to the ancient Egyptians 
four thousand and more years ago, and was held 
sacred by them. Its form may be seen depicted 
on their frescoes. 
However, when many other species or kinds of 
ichneumons were discovered it was decided to 
abandon the name ichneumon and substitute Mun- 
goose, which is the native Indian name for a species 
inhabiting India. The true mungooses all have 
long, tapering bodies and tails, and their faces are 
acutely pointed. ‘There area large number of kinds 
of these animals. ‘They inhabit nearly the whole 
of Africa and extend into Spain, and eastwards 
through the southern parts of Asia. The habits 
and ways of the various species differ but little. 
They are all cunning and secretive, yet bold and 
predaceous, preying upon small animals, birds, 
reptiles, and insects. When hard pressed for food 
they resort to berries, fruits, roots, herbs, &c. 
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