456 



THE CARNIVORES 



of which the characteristics have been already briefly mentioned, are like those of 

 the dogs, and thus different from those of the cats ; the upper flesh-tooth having 

 but two lobes to the blade (see figure on p. 454), while the lower flesh-tooth has a 

 large heel behind its cutting blade (as seen in the figure of the skull of a fox given 



on p. 355). 



The civets are further characterized by their long and flattened bodies ; narrow 

 and elongated heads ; short limbs ; small and rounded feet, each furnished with five 

 toes, of which the claws are partially retractile ; and the hairy soles of the feet 

 (exclusive of the pads). With the exception of one species, the back has a crest of 

 long hairs, which can be erected at will ; the neck is marked by a black gorget ; 

 and the tail, which is of considerable length, is variegated by alternate dark and 



THE CIVET. 

 (One-sixth natural size.) 



light rings. The whole of the fur is long and rough looking, and thus presents a 

 marked contrast to the sleek pelage of most of the cats. The civets all walk on the 

 very tips of their toes. In addition to the above, all these animals are characterized 

 by the great development of certain glands situated in the abdomen which secrete 

 the well-known perfume which gives the name to the group. There are altogether 

 six species of true civets, of which five are Asiatic, while one is African ; one of the 

 Asiatic species being smaller than all the others, from which it also differs by the 

 absence of the crest of erectile hairs on the back. From this and other structural 

 differences, this small civet is frequently referred to a distinct genus. L,ike the 

 majority of the family, the true civets are nocturnal, and to a great extent solitary 

 animals ; and apparently some of them cannot climb. They are commonly known, 

 as civet cats. 



