this antipathy, the Ichneumon enters the body of the 
crocodile when it is asleep, and never departs till it 
has devoured its entrails. 
Naturalists have supposed that there are many kinds 
of Ichneumons, because there is a difference in their size 
and in the colour of their hair. If we consider, however, 
that being frequently reared in houses, they have like 
other domestic animals undergone varieties, we shall 
readily perceive, that this diversity of colour and this 
difference of size, only points out simple varieties, not 
sufficient to constitute a separate species. It also ap- 
pears that the Ichneumons in Egypt, which may be called 
domestic, are larger than those in India, which are in a 
wild state. 
The Ichneumon lives very willingly, by the sides of 
rivers, inundations, and other waters. It quits its habita- 
tion to seek its prey near habitable places. It sometimes 
carries its head erect, shortens its body before, and raises 
itself like a serpent : it often sits upon its hind feet, and 
oftener springs upon its prey : its eyes are lively, and full 
of fire; its aspect is beautiful, the body very active, the 
legs short, the tail thick and very long, and the hair rough 
and bristly. Both male and female have a remarkable 
orifice, independent of the natural passages. It is a kind 
of pocket, to refresh itself when too hot. Its nose is very 
sharp, and its mouth narrow, which prevents it from 
seizing and biting any thing very large ; but this defect 
is amply compensated by its agility, courage, and by its 
power. It very easily strangles a cat, although much 
bigger and stronger than itself. It often too fights with 
dogs of every size ? and for the most part obtains the 
victory. 
