76 a hand-book of the management of animals 



Treatment in health. 



Sousing. — As it is semi-aquatic in its habits, the crab-eating 

 mungoose should be accommodated in a place where it can have easy 

 access to water. Its accommodation therefore may be provided in the 

 form of a pit about 3 feet deep, with a bath, a grotto, and a grass or 

 gravel promenade, the top being covered over with stout wire netting, 

 or it may be a cage, detached or built in connection with others, with 

 a bath and a grotto, or a box which serves the same purpose. 



Food. — It is almost omnivorous ; eats crabs, frogs, prawns, small 

 fish, minced meat, &c. 



Transport.— Besides the vessel for drinking water, another made 

 of zinc or iron should be given, and clean water put in during the 

 middle of the day when it is warm. If the journey or voyage is to last 

 for some time, the animal should be fed for a few days prior to its 

 departure upon such food as may be easily available during transport. 



Treatment in sickness. 



Nothing particular is known about the diseases to which this 

 animal is liable. 



Observations on its habits. 



The Crab-eating mungoose is a restless, active creature, walking 

 about in its cage with heavy steps, and occasionally uttering a hoarse 

 subdued cry. Those exhibited in the garden had no bath in their 

 cage, but the animals could be often observed satisfying their aquatic 

 predilections by immersing a portion of their bodies in the gamla which 

 was provided as a substitute for a bath. 



(80) THE BANDED ICHNEUMON. 

 (CKOSSARCHUS FASCIATUS-Dem.) 



Description. — Eesembles a common mungoose, but stouter in build. 

 Colour ashy grey, washed with brownish red on the back ; fur rather 

 harsh ; about the neck and shoulders the hair is tipped white : brownish 

 black bands across the posterior half of the back. 



2fa&.— South-East Africa. 



Length of life in captivity. 

 A specimen obtained in 1886 is still alive and well. 



Treatment in health. 



With regard to housing and feeding, &c, this species may be 

 treated like the other mun gooses. The animal now living appears to 

 thrive well in a small cage about 4 feet high and 10 feet in circum- 

 ference, with a conical roof made of light planks lined with zinc; 

 inside the cage is a small sleeping-box and a platform. During the 

 winter canvas screens are let down at night. One of these animals 

 developed a strong partiality for a bread diet. 



