of a Zoological Collection made in Sumatra. 251 



MEPHITIS Javanensis Desm. 



Te lag u of the Malays. Jls 



Found in Sumatra and Java. From the latter it has already 

 been sent to Europe by Mr. Leschenault, and I believe by 

 Dr. Horsfield. 



It is nearly related to the Viverra Mephitis Linn, of America, the 

 type of this genus, but differs in having a very short tail not ex- 

 ceeding an inch in length, and in having but one line of white 

 along the back, which covers the whole crown of the head, and 

 becomes narrower as it runs backward to the tail, which is 

 also white. The rest of the body is of a dark-brown colour. 

 The snout is long and pointed. The direction of the hair on 

 the forepart of the body is peculiar, being directed forwards 

 under the throat, and upwards and forwards on the back of 

 the head and neck. The five toes of the fore-feet are fur- 

 nished with long claws fitted for digging. It has six incisors, 

 two canines, and five molars in each jaw, of which the first 

 three are not tuberculated. 



When irritated, or in danger, it emits from its rectum a fluid of 

 most insupportable stench. 



VIVERRA Z i beth a Linn. 



Tangalung of the Malays. $J&u 



This animal is kept by the natives for the purpose of obtain- 

 ing the well known perfume, which they call jibet or dedes. It 

 is contained in a double sac under the anus. 



The animal is above two feet long; the tail shorter than the body, 

 and annulated. A black stripe runs the whole length of the 

 back ; there are several longitudinal stripes on the back of the 



2k2 neck, 



