Mineral Point tribune. (Mineral Point, Wis.) 1869-1938, 1877-11-21
The MOngOOsc.

In countries where snakes and other
noXious reptiles abound, nature, as a
means Of checking the excessive in
crease of such plaques, has provided
certain animals, both piped and quadru-
ped which, by continually preying upon
and destroying snakes of all kinds, both
large and small, fulfil most useful
office, and confer an inestlmable bene-
fit on man. The peccary of South
America, Il small but fearless species
of the hog-tribe, will not finch from an
encounter with such Il terrible foe as
the deadly rattlesnake; but encased in
a hide of extreme toughness, quickly
dispatches and devourS his sea Y antag-
onist. The secretary bird of southern
Africa, belonging to the falcon tribe
habitually subssts on reptiles of all
kinds. In Europe the stork acts SIM
liar part; and many other useful birds
and beasts, performing the same good
work, might be mentioned.
In India, where Serpcnts are specially
common and destructive to human life,
We have various kinds of snake devour-
crs, such as storks and cranes, and the
welI-known adjutant Peafowl are
especially active in destroying small
descriptions of snakes ard others of
the feathered race assist in the work
But in general, animals of all kinds
have natural dread, and carefully
avoid permitting themselves to come
in contact with, or even close proximity
to a member Of the snake tribe, instinc-
lively aware Of the danger of meddling
with such creatures.
The little ichneumon Ca Greek word
signifying follower of the tracks or
footstcps) or mOngoOSe of India, Is,
however, bright exception to this rule
for not only will he, when so disposed,
without fear of consequences, readily
enter into mortal combat with the most
venomous descriptions of snakes, but
will even seek them out, attack, slay
and devour them, their young or eggs,
III Their various strongholds and hiding
places.
The common gray mongoose Her
pestes griseus), called by the natives Of
Northern india, Newela, is exceeding
ly abundant everywhere. In general
shape and contour, it Is much like II
ferret and in many other ways resem-
hlcs one Of the weasel tribe In size it
is considerably larger than Il ferret; and
the hair which covers the body, instead
of lying smooth and feeling soft to the
touch rs that of the ferret, is coarse and
bristly. The color, which varies much
i'll different parts of the country and
Il r., yc, II N =,
generally of reddish brown, spcckled
over with gray. Its length from tip of
nose to tip Of tail is about two feet
The snout is sharply pointed, ears short
and round, eyes small and piercing; The
jaws are armed with formidable set of
teeth, the CANNES being especially sharp
and long.
The mongoosc frequents gardens,
thick Indigenous, and scrubjungle; and
if left unmolestcd, and not hunted by
dogs, will often take up its abode in
some burrow or hole i'm bank in close
proximity to inhabited buildings.
Though in general nocturnal in habits,
yeti may often be seen crossing road
or footpath during the day, usually
pausing moment to look around and
make sure that the coast is clear of
dogs and such like enemies before ven
turing to cross open ground.
Being, rs | have already stated, q
deadly foe 70 the cobra battles between
that formidable reptile and the mon
goose are of constant occurrence, but
it has been proved that the fangS of
all vencmous reptiles have no effect
uDDn If