56 



Quadrupeds. 



beautiful and soft, and valuable as an article of com- 

 merce. The eyes of the Genet contract when exposed 

 to the light, like those of the cat; and it can draw 

 in its claws in nearly the same manner. 



THE ORIENTAL CIVET, (Viverra Z'ibetlia,) 



Is an inhabitant of the south of Asia and of the islands 

 of the Indian Archipelago. It is rather smaller than 

 the African Civet, but is very sanguinary in its habits, 

 causing a great destruction of poultry and even ot lambs 

 and young pigs. The perfume furnished by this species 

 is highly esteemed by the natives of eastern countries. 



THE ICHNEUMON, OR EGYPTIAN MANGOUSTE, 

 OR PHAEAOH'S RAT. (Eerpestes Ichneumon.) 



THIS animal bears a close resemblance to the weasel 

 tribe, both in form and habits. From the tip of the 

 nose to the root of the tail, it is about eighteen inches 

 in length. At the base, the tail is very thick, tapering 

 gradually towards the point, which is slightly tufted. 

 It has a long, active body, short legs, lively and piercing 



