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Show THE MONGOOSE.-The mongoose (ichneumon) from its enmity to snakes, rats, mice, and all reptiles, forms a household pet in most establishments in the East Indies, taking the place of the cat. In size and shape it somewhat resembles a large pole-cat, being generally about a foot and a half in length, and of a bright brown color. The mongoose upon being shown the cobra, assumes an attitude expressive of great caution, crouching low, and with sunken head it views its destined victim. The cobra collecting itself into folds, and aware that now it must do or die, takes a position with its head and neck well thrown back. Intently they gaze at one another, till upon the mongoose creeping nearer than pleasant, the cobra lashes out, which intended compliment is skillfully evaded by mongoose springing to one side, until, upon an unsuccessful lash out, the cobra is pinned by the back of the head, and a close takes place. Over and over they roll, the mongoose nearly hid amidst the voluminous folds of the cobra; and were he not the most supple and compressible of animals would, to a certainly, be crushed to a jelly, yet, he never relaxes his hold till the cobra gives up the ghost, when he shakes himself fee, finishing invariably by eating the morsel which he has bitten out of the snake. |