ZIBETH.—Viverra Zibetha. 
curiously shaped, being considerably flattened on the sides, as if the animal had been 
pressed between two boards. 
Altogether, the Civet is a very handsome animal, the bold dashing of black and white 
upon its fur having a very rich effect. The face has a curious appearance, owing to 
the white fur which fringes the lips, and the long pure white whisker hairs of the lips, 
and eyes. When young, it is almost wholly black, with the exception of the white 
whisker hairs and the white fur of the lips. It seems to be an irritable animal, and, 
when angered, vents its indignation by fierce growls. 
Upon the Asiatic continent, and its islands, the place of the civet is taken by several 
of the Viverrine tribe, one of which, the ZrBetH, bears a close resemblance to its African 
1elative, 
The Zibeth is a native of many parts of Asia, being found in China, India, the 
Philippines, Nepal, and other localities. It may be distinguished from the civet by the 
greater amount of white which is found in the fur, especially about the neck and throat, 
by the shorter hair, and by the greater number of dark rings upon the tail. The tail of 
the Zibeth is not so largely marked with black at its extremity as that of the civet. The 
mane or crest which runs along the back is comparatively small. The spots which mark 
the body are rather indistinctly outlined, and the general tint of the fur seems to be 
paler than that of the civet. 
It is furnished with a musk-secreting pouch like that of the African civet. It is a 
lethargic animal in captivity, and even in a wild state passes the day in sleep, and only 
seeks its food after dark. Its usual diet is composed of birds and the smaller mammalia, 
but it will also eat various fruits, especially those of a sweet nature. In size it nearly 
equals the civet. In captivity it is a gentle creature, and is so completely tamed by the 
natives of the countries where it is found that it inhabits the house like a domestic cat 
and employs itself in similar useful pursuits. 
THE animal which is known by the native name of TANGALUNG, bears some re- 
semblance to the preceding animals. The black markings, however, are more distinct, and 
