ICHNEUMON. 
381 
It also diligently seeks for the eggs of crocodiles; 
for which reason^ as well as for its general useful- 
liess in destroying all manner of troublesome rep- 
tiles, it was held in such a high degree of vene- 
ration by the ancient ^Egpytians as to be regarded 
in the light of a minor deity, or one of those be- 
nevolent beings proceeding iyom the Parent of the 
universe. For the purposes above specified it is 
still domesticated by the Indians and Egyptians, 
in the same manner as the Cat in Europe; and it 
has also the merit of being easily tamed, and of 
performing all the ser\'ices of the Cat with a still 
greater degree of vigor and alacrity. When in 
pursuit of prey, it sometimes springs suddenly upon 
it with the greatest agility, and, at other times, 
will glide along the ground like a Serpent, with- 
out raising its body, till it arrives at a proper 
distance for its intended attack. Like many 
other animals of this tribe, it is a most dangerous 
enemy to several creatures larger than itself; 
over which it gains a ready victory, by fastening 
itself upon them, and sucking their blood. In a 
wild state it is said principally to frequent the 
banks of rivers, and, in times of flood, to approach 
the higher grounds, and inhabited places, in quest 
of prey. It is reported to swim and dive occa- 
sionally, in the manner of the Otter, and to con- 
tinue beneath the water for a great length of 
time. 
The Ichneumon is found not only in various 
parts of India, but in the Indian islands, as Cey- 
lon and others. It also occurs in many parts of 
