NATURAL HISTORY OF SOUTH AFRICA 
The young are born and suckled by the mother in 
a cavity at the end of a burrow, usually in a bank 
or sod fence. Instead of a burrow, the muishond 
sometimes takes possession of a crevice in-the rocks, 
in a hollow tree, or fallen log, the rotten pith of 
which it scrapes out. Sometimes it is found in 
the deserted holes of other animals. 
The number of young ones at a birth is usually 
two or three. In captivity the muishond becomes 
very tame, and in a short while gets attached to 
whoever is in the habit of feeding it. For many 
years in Natal I kept muishonds in captivity, 
sometimes in cages, and at other times chained up. 
The animal, if chained, must be secured round the 
loins, as it is able to easily withdraw its head if a 
strap is fastened round its neck. In captivity the 
muishond is odourless, and will not eject its dis- 
gusting fluid unless purposely irritated or fright- 
ened, nor will it attempt to bite. It can often 
be tamed so effectually that it may be allowed to 
roam at large like a household cat, and will not 
wander away. It is at these times very\useful in 
devouring rats, mice, and troublesome insects, 
and destroying any snakes which might venture 
near the homestead. Fowls and pigeons must, 
however, be kept out of its way. It is far more 
useful to a farmer than a cat when thoroughly 
domesticated, for the reason that it burrows 
into the stacks of forage, lucerne, and other 
produce after the rats and mice, which do so 
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