THE ZENIGK. 
193 
number of the teeth is not the same. On account of the color of its fur, it has been termed the 
Ruddy Ichneumon ; and, from the brindlings in the tail, the Pencilled Ichneumon. It is 
rather a pretty animal, the tint of its coat being a light tawny brown, and the paws dark. 
The tail is rather bushy, and brindled with black hairs. It is a native of Southern Africa, 
and has received its specific title in compliment to the well-known African traveller, Le 
Yaillant. 
The curious animal which is known by the name of Kusimahse, or Mang-ue, is a native 
of Sierra Leone and Western Africa. 
It is plantigrade in its walk, and has five toes on each feet. The teeth are of the same 
description as those of the succeeding animal. Its nose has something of the proboscis in 
its character, and its ears are small. The food 
of the Kusimanse consists of the smaller mam- 
malia, of various insects, and some kinds of 
fruits. The general color of the animal is a 
deep ruddy brown, but in certain lights, and 
when its coat is at all ruffled, the chocolate 
brown of its fur becomes plentifully grizzled 
with yellowish white. The reason for this 
change of tint is, that each hair is marked 
alternately with white and brown. 
The Zentck, sometimes termed the Suri- 
cate, is a native of Southern Africa, but not 
very commonly found. It is not so exclusively 
carnivorous as the preceding animals, being 
fond of sweet fruits as well as of an animal 
diet. It is rather a small animal, measuring 
about eighteen inches in total length, its tail 
being six inches long. The feet are armed with 
long and stout claws, by means of which the 
creature can burrow with some rapidity. The 
color is grayish brown, with a tinge of yellow, 
and the upper surface of the body is covered 
by several obscurely marked bars of a deeper 
brown hue. A silvery tint is washed over the 
limbs. The tail is brown, tinged with red, and 
black at the extremity. A few indistinct spots 
are sparsely scattered over the breast. The height of the animal is rather more than six 
inches. 
The brain is large in proportion to the size of the animal, and, as may be expected, the 
creature is remarkably docile and intelligent. It is very sensitive to kindness, and equally so 
to harsh treatment, showing great affection towards those who behave well towards it, and 
biting savagely at any one who treats it unkindly. When domesticated it ranges the house at 
will, and cannot be induced to leave its home for a life of freedom. Like the Ichneumon, 
it is an useful inmate of a house, extirpating rats, mice, and other living nuisances. It is 
offended by a brilliant light, and is best pleased when it can abide in comparative darkness. 
This nocturnal habit of eye renders it especially useful as a vermin exterminator, as it remains 
quiet during the hour while the rats, mice, and snakes lie still in their holes, and only issues 
from its hiding-place when the shades of night give the signal for the mammalian and reptilian 
vermin to sally forth on their own food-seeking quest. As its eyes are fitted for nocturnal 
sight, it becomes a terrible enemy to these creatures, creeping quietly upon them , and seizing 
them before they are aware of its proximity. 
As far as is known, the sense of hearing is rather dull, and seems to assist the animal but 
ZENICK .—Bhyzaena tetradactyla. 
