6o 



THE YOUNG NATURALIST. 



[March 



of the Museum, that the head of the Egyptian Ichneumon (Herpestis) 

 was represented in the consignment. This is the more likely from the 

 fact that similar honours were awarded to this animal after death, as 

 were held to be lawfully due to the cat. 



The specimens generally are in an excellent state of preservation, 

 and present a variety of interesting expression that lead one to doubt 

 whether the ancient artists in cat flesh followed any fixed model when 

 embalming, or rather, exercised their imagination and ingenuity in 

 producing the most conflicting patterns. Of four, complacently re- 

 garding us as we write, one has been arrested, petrified as it were, in 

 the act of an unmistakable yawn. The teeth are wonderfully perfect, 

 slightly brown, but retaining the original polish of the enamel. The 

 eyelids are closed, and the ears pressed close to the sides of the head, 

 but pussy's white whiskers are distinctly visible in the encasing gum, 

 resins, or whatever was used. Under the chin and covering the neck, 

 is abundance of soft, pale, brown fur, easily detached, the marvel being 

 how any could remain after the rough usuage to which the specimen 

 has been subjected. Undoubtedly the greater part has been removed 

 when the encasing cloths were stripped off. Here is another, gaunt 

 and withered, the muscles and tendons of the neck standing forth like 

 knotted cords, the vacant sockets, gaping wide, the mouth barely open, 

 but the gleaming teeth bidding the same crafty defiance as when their 

 owner bit and scratched, and fought, and, perchance victoriously sang 

 with blythe melodious voice in the streets, alleys and gardens of 

 Ancient Egypt. Yet people say, " times are changed." Well, so 

 they are, but is'nt it a pity sleek Tom is so marvellously behind the 

 age.? 



A third specimen exhibits that oily satisfaction, only obtainable by 

 judicious stroking. Eyes closed in dreamy ecstacy, mouth wreathed in 

 a stereotyped smile ; the whole expression speaking of content, happi- 

 ness and a good dinner. A careful examination revealed some slight 

 traces of insect ravages ; a few burrows, with here and there the cast- 

 off clothing of a Dermestes larva : but no positive damage. Yet 

 another characteristic, a decidedly strong feature too. They smell, — 

 yes, they smell like — like only respectable mummies can smell, 



Mossy Bank, 



Egremont, Cheshire. 



