248 HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS. 



nothing in common with the Zibet, but its ftrong per- 

 fume. 



The SURICATE, or Four-toed WEASEL, 



is rather lefs than the Rabbit; and pretty much refem- 

 bles the Ichneumon, both in fize and in the colour of its 

 hair, only it is rougher, and its tail is not quite fo long. 

 Its upper jaw is much longer than the lower, and very 

 pliant and moveable. It has only four toes on each foot. 



One of them, in the poffeffion of M. de Seve, was ob- 

 ferved fometimes to walk on its hind legs, and frequent- 

 ly to fit upright, with its fore feet hanging down on its 

 bread. 



The Suricate is carnivorous, and preys on fmall ani- 

 mals. It is fond of fifh, and (till more fo of eggs. Like 

 the Squirrel, it makes ufe of its fore paws to convey its 

 victuals to its mouth. In drinking, it laps like a dog ; 

 but will not drink water, except when it is warm. 



That kept by M. de Seve, was extremely playful and 

 familiar, knew its own name, and would return at a call. 

 What was remarkable, it feemed to have an averfion to 

 particular perfons, whom it would always bite on their 

 approaching it : Some people were fo difagreeable to it, 

 that, even when reftrained, it would make ufe of feveral 



