MAMMALS COLLECTED IN BENGAL. 95 



several times caught them in traps baited with putrid meat that 

 were really set for Jackals. 



Viverra zibetha, Linn. (Large Indian Civet). — I have never 

 seen this species alive, but saw one or two skins that were said 

 to have been procured in the district. 



Viverricula malaccensis, Gmel. (Small Indian Civet). — My 

 friend Mr. C. M. Inglis has informed me he has procured this 

 species in the Madhubani Sub-Division Darbhanga, but I never 

 came across it myself. 



Paradoxus niger, Desm. (Indian Palm Civet). — Very common. 

 I have twice shot this species, while it has been in the garden 

 after fruit, of which it is very fond. They have a very disagree- 

 able odour when excited. 



Herpestes mungo, Gmel. (Common Mungoose). — Abundant 

 everywhere. When taken young it becomes exceedingly tame, 

 and makes an amusing pet. One I had was very fond of fish, 

 and would devour a dozen small ones 3 J in. long at a meal, and 

 have eaten more had I given it. They will also eat frogs, insects, 

 and snakes, and also at times will kill rats. I think they breed 

 in May and June, as I have had very small ones brought to me 

 during those months. 



Canis pallipes, Sykes (Indian Wolf). — Rare. Solitary ex- 

 amples occur from time to time. One was seen in a village a 

 few miles from Hattowrie in June, 1901. 



Canis aureus, Linn. (Jackal). — Very common. Found during 

 the cold weather among sugar cane and long grasses, but in 

 the hot weather they resort to their earths, usually among grass 

 jungle. Their food consists of carrion, smaller animals, and 

 birds. They are very tenacious of life, and I have seen one 

 recover from a severe blow on the head — that would have killed 

 most animals — and attempt to escape. I have often caught them 

 in a large box trap baited with a dead fowl. Four young ones 

 were dug out of an earth at Hattowrie in April, 1901, and I tried 

 to rear them, but they all died after a few weeks. During the 

 time I had them they were very quiet by day, but at nightfall 

 commenced to whine dismally. The cry of the Jackal is one 

 of the most weird sounds I have ever heard, and is said by 

 Europeans in India to resemble the words, "a dead Hindoo." 



Vulpes bengalensis, Shaw (Common Indian Fox). — Abundant 



