CIVET CATS. 227 



Gentle and quiet as the creature appears, it is one of the fiercest 

 known ; it is very muscular and active, and is inflamed with an insatiable 

 thirst for blood. 



The name of Cryptoprocta is given it on account of the manner in 

 which the hind-quarters taper down into the tail. The word is Greek, 

 the first two syllables signifying " hidden," the second two " hind- 

 quarters." 



THE CIVET CATS. 



The family of the Viverrid.e comprises a number of small and mod- 

 erate-sized carnivorous animals known as Civets, Genets and Ichneumons, 

 which differ from the Carnivora hitherto mentioned, by their slender, 

 elongated, round body, their short legs, their long, slender neck and 

 elongated head, as well as by their long, usually pendent tail. The eyes 

 are small, the ears of various sizes ; some species have four toes, some 

 five, and many possess retractile claws. But the most remarkable 

 peculiarity about them is the presence near the tail of two or more 

 glands and receptacles, which secrete and store up a fluid of a peculiar, 

 sometimes agreeable odor. While the Viverridge in many respects re- 

 semble the Martens and Skunks, in many others they resemble the Felidas 

 and seem to connect the two groups. They are found in the southern 

 regions of the Old World, chiefly in Africa and Asia ; for the so-called 

 American Civet, Bassaris astiita, finds its proper place in the famil)' of 

 the Procyonidce or Racoons. Throughout the family we find great variety 

 of form, and equally great variety in their haunts ; many live in wastes 

 and steppes, or the scanty thickets of the driest portions of Africa and 

 Asia, others prefer fruitful lowlands and the banks of rivers, some 

 approach the settlements of man, others shyly retire into the darkness 

 of the forests, some frequent trees, some never leave the earth. 



The Viverridas are mostly nocturnal in their habits, active and lively, 

 but many prowl about during the day. Their movements are char- 

 acterized by suppleness and grace ; and no animals equal these in the 

 serpentine manner in which they glide over the ground, and few in the 

 rapidity with which they spring upon their prey, a rapidity in striking 

 contrast with their usually deliberate gait. Some species have been quite 

 domesticated, the Ichneumons and Mangoustes being used to keep the 

 houses in Eastern countries free from serpents and other animal pests. 

 Their sense of smell is very acute; their powers of sight vary according 



