Of deer there are various kinds in Malabar. _Kàla_ is the common stag; _Man_ is the hind; _Pulimàn_, the white spotted axis of the ancients. The roe-buck, with crooked horns, twisted like a vine branch, is catted _Krshnamrgam_, and is a kind of antelope with black hair. Another kind, called in the Malabar language _Kesza_, and in the Samscred _Rohida_, is not larger than a goat, and has red hair. It is in all probability the _Antelope cervicapra_ of Zimmermann[125]. In Malabar there is also a great number of bezoar goats. In the mountainous districts of the province of _Maleatur_ they wander about in herds; and the largest and best bezoar stones are procured from them. The _Kuran_ is an antelope with hair entirely black, which I never saw but in this country[126]. The civet cat, by the Indians called _Meruva_, is found here also. I have seen great numbers of this animal in the forests of _Cernì_ and _Cidàcolam_. The _Kirri_ appears to be the same animal as that which the ancients called the Ichneumon. It is found on the coast of Malabar, and in considerable numbers. It is a mortal enemy to the snakes, which it torments till they twist themselves together, and lie as if in a state of torpor, when it springs upon them, and, seizing them by the neck, soon dispatches them. During this contest the snake raises up half its body, erects its crest, hisses, and endeavours to wound its antagonist; but this little animal, which is exceedingly active and sharp-sighted, finds means to avoid the threatened blow with the utmost dexterity, till the snake at last loses its strength, and resigns the victory. This contest I have myself seen more than once. The _Kirri_ has fine hair of an ash-grey colour, a thick tail, a sharp-pointed snout, keen eyes, small ears, and is not bigger than a large mouse. This pretty animal is very much attached to man; is fond of playing with him; and is not soon irritated. It creeps into every hole and corner; frequently steals eggs; lies in wait for the bats and other night birds, and never allows any of them to remain in the house where it resides. In Malabar there is also another kind of ichneumon, of a red colour, and much larger than that above described, but which can never be rendered tame[127]. The _Annan_, or small squirrel, which generally frequents the coco-nut trees, has hair of a whitish-brown colour, with beautiful black stripes, like the zebra, or Indian wild ass. The latter, however, is not found on the coast of Malabar. The _Maleannan_ is a black squirrel, which is found only on the highest trees[128]. The _Perciali_, or _Periciaszi_, is a large mouse, called by the Portuguese _Fossador_, because it digs every where, and occasions great devastation.