218 LLOYD’S NATURAL HISTORY. 
the last upper molar tootM™s relatively larger and more tri- 
angular than is generally the case in that genus, and the lower 
carnassial has a larger heel. 
The genus is essentially an African one, although the type 
species ranges into Southern Europe and Palestine. 
I. THE COMMON GENET. GENETTA VULGARIS. 
Viverra genetta, L.inn., Syst. Nat. ed. 12, vol. i. p. 65 (1766). 
Genetta afra, F. Cuvier, Hist. Nat. Mamm. pt. li. (1825). 
Genetta vulgaris, Lesson, Man. Mamm. p. 173 (1827). 
Genetta bonaparti, Loche, Rev. Mag. Zool. ser. 2, vol. ix. p. 
385 (1857). 
Characters—General colour blackish-grey, marked with black 
spots and streaks and a black dorsal stripe ; tail relatively long, 
with the white and black rings of nearly equal length, and the 
tip whitish ; fore-limbs greyish, with black spots ; hind-legs © 
black posteriorly in the neighbourhood of the ankle-joint. 
Length of head and body, about 1934 inches ; of tail, 1534 
inches. 
Distribution—Southern Europe, namely, France, Spain, and 
Turkey; North Africa; and Palestine. This is one of the very 
few species of the Family common to Europe and Africa. 
Habits—In general habits the Common Genet (and the 
other species probably also) appears to be very similar to the 
Civets, living on the ground, and being found both in wooded 
and open country, and likewise on bush-covered mountains, 
Although rare in the south of France, it is stated to be com- 
moner in Spain, but even there is seldom seen. Small Rodents, 
birds, and their eggs form its chief nutriment ; and in pursuit 
of its prey the Genet is remarkable for the almost Snake-like 
manner in which it steals among the herbage, with its body 
elongated and depressed to the greatest possible degree. Its 
breeding-habits in the wild state are unknown, but in captivity 
only a single young one is produced ata birth. Genets are 
