402 FOSSANE. 



black spots: the nose deep brown; the tail tawny, 

 slightly annulated with black; the face, chin, and 

 under side of the neck, cinereous, and a dark line 

 runs up the forehead. 



FOSSANE. 



Viverra Fossa. V. cauda annulata, corpore cincreo nigro macu- 



lato. lAn. Syst. Nat. Gmel. p. 91. 



Ash-coloured W. spotted with black, and with annulated tail. 

 Fossane. Buff. 13. p. i63.pl. 20. 

 Fossane Weesel. Pennant Quadr. 2. p. 75. 



THE Fossane appears to be so nearly allied to 

 the Genet, that it might almost pass for a va- 

 riety of that animal. Its colours, however, are 

 somewhat bolder or more contrasted than in the 

 Genet, and the rows of spots along the sides still 

 more regularly disposed. Beneath and above 

 each eye is commonly a M'hite patch ; and from 

 the hind parts of the head towards the back and 

 shoulders run four black lines. The whole under 

 side of the body is of a dingy white : the tail is an- 

 nulated with black and white. This animal is a 

 native of Madagascar, Guinea, Bengal, Cochin- 

 china, and the Philippine islands. It is said to 

 be possessed of considerable fierceness, and to be 

 difficultly tamed. In destroys poultry in the man- 

 ner of the common Weesel. When young it is 

 said to be good food. Its size is that of the Ge- 

 net. 



