THE ClVilT. 



digs for itself a deep biiiTow, where it lies concealed during tlie day, biuied in 

 sleep at the bottom of its mine. From this habit of bm-rowing in the earth, the 

 creatm-e has derived its title of " Aard, or Earth AVolf." 



A curious mode of domestic arrangement is carried out by these animals. 

 Several individuals seem to unite in forming a common hal)itation. Several deep 

 burrows are dug, having their common tei'mination in a small chamber, where 

 three or four Aard Wolves take up their residence. 



ClYET.— J 'iccrra Civeffa. 



Tni: Civet, sometimes, but wrongly called tlie Civet Cat, is a native of 

 Northern Afnca, and is found plentifully in Abyssinia, where it is eagerly sought 

 on account of the ])eculiarly scented substance which is secreted in certain glandular 

 ])ouches. This Civet perfume was formerly considered as a most valuable 

 medicine, and could only be obtained at a very higli ])rice ; but in the present 

 (lay it has nearly gone out of fashion as a drng, and holds its place in commerce 

 more as a simple j)crfume than as a costly jjanacea. 



In this animal we may trace a decided resemblance t<j the Aard Wolf, both in 

 the shape of the body and in the markings. 



But the Civet bears itself in a very ditlerent manner, having more of the weasel 

 than of the hyrcna nature, and the colouring of the fur is of a mucli richer 

 character than that of the previonsly mentioned animal. 



It is nearly as large as the Aard W'oW, its tolal length being about three feet six 

 inches, of which the tail occupies nearly one-third. Along the back, and even on 

 ])art of the tail, runs a boldly marked crest oi- mane, which can be erected 

 l)y the animal at pleasure, or can lie nearly, but not rpiite, evenlv with 

 tlie fur. 



The substance which is so prized on account of its odoriferous cpialities is 

 secreted in a double pouch, which exists under the abdomen, close to the insertion 

 of the tail. As this curious production is of some value in connncrce, the animal 

 which furnishes the ])rc(ious secretion is too valuable to be killed for the sake of 

 its scent-pouch, and is kept in a state of cajjtivity, so as to aflbrd a continual 

 supply of the odoriferous material. 



The mode by which tlic Civet ])erlume is removed from the animal is veiy 

 ingenious. The animals which belong to this grou}) are very fpiick and active in 

 their movements, and, being furnished with sharp teeth and strong jaws, are 

 dangerous beasts to handle. As may be imagined, the Civet resents the rough 



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