Page:The Zoologist, 4th series, vol 3 (1899).djvu/479

Rh imagine of what advantage it can be for the Bassaricyon to be mistaken for a Kinkajou. The Cape Hunting-Dog (Lycaon pictus) has a superficial resemblance to the Spotted Hyæna of the same country, which has been suggested as a case of mimicry. As Mr. Lydekker has observed:—"It is, however, very difficult to see what advantage a strong animal hunting in packs, like the present species, can gain in being mistaken for a Hysena, as it is in every respect fully qualified to take care of itself. If, however, we could suppose that the Hunting-Dog was originally a solitary animal, which had subsequently become gregarious, then perhaps the resemblance to the Hyæna might have been an advantage to it." The same authority believes that in the resemblance of the South African Weasel (Pœcilogale albinucha) to the Cape Polecat (Ictonyx zorilla) we may have "another instance of true mimicry among mammals." The African Monkey (Colobus occidentalis) is covered with a long silky fur arranged in alternate stripes of black and white, so handsome that the skin is much prized by the Masai for making head ornaments. The contrast of black and white is so marked that at first sight, as Dr. Gregory remarks, "it would seem to preclude concealment, but its value is at once evident when the animal is seen at home. This Monkey lives in the high forests of Abyssinia, Kenya, Kilima Njaro, and Settima, where the trees have black trunks and branches, draped with long grey masses of beard-moss or lichen. As the Monkeys hang from the branches they so closely resemble the lichen that I found it impossible to recognize them when but a short distance away."

The tabby Cat, the original progenitor of which may have been "a distinct natural variety which no longer exists as a wild animal," has been thus described:—When "curled up asleep, the dark bands arranged themselves in concentric circles, or rather in a closely set spiral, strongly suggesting the appearance of a coiled serpent."This is considered as a probable remarkable instance of "protective mimicry."

Mr. S.E. Peal, writing from Assam, has launched the following Zool. 4th ser. vol. III., October, 1899.