The New Student's Reference Work/Ichneumon

Ichneumon (ik-nū′-mon), a flesh-eating quadruped, having a long, slender body, small head, sharp nose, rounded ears and short legs. The species are numerous, and are natives of Africa and the warmer parts of Asia. They feed on small animals, reptiles, eggs and insects. Once the Egyptian ichneumon was a sacred animal, and with its relative, the mongoose of India, was supposed to destroy serpents and poisonous reptiles. Many wonderful fables are told of its power. The ichneumon is easily tamed, and is useful in keeping the house free from rats and other vermin.