CHAP. 36.—THE ICHNEUMON.
This hostility is the especial glory of this animal, which is
also produced in Egypt. It plunges itself repeatedly into the
mud, and then dries itself in the sun: as soon as, by these
means, it has armed itself with a sufficient number of coatings,
it proceeds to the combat. Raising its tail, and turning its
back to the serpent, it receives its stings, which are inflicted to
no purpose, until at last, turning its head sideways, and viewing its enemy, it seizes it by the throat. Not content, however, with this victory, it conquers another creature also, which
is no less dangerous.