MALACCA WEESEL. 407 



spots, symmetrically arranged in rows, viz. three 

 rows on each side, and one over the back : the 

 tail, which is longer than the body, is marked 

 with a great many alternate black and grey cir- 

 cles. From the above description, as well as from 

 Sonnerat's figure, it appears that this animal is 

 much allied to the Genet and the Fossane. Mr. 

 Sonnerat tells us it lives by chase; and- is very 

 nimble in mounting trees, &c. it is a fierce crea- 

 ture, and if only wounded, when shot at, will 

 turn back and attack the aggressor. It diffuses a 

 powerful musky odour, which is owing to a pecu- 

 liar receptacle like that of the Civet Cat and 

 some others of this genus. The Malays collect 

 the fluid thus secreted, and pretend that it is sti- 

 mulant and stomachic. It is much esteemed for 

 these qualities by the Chinese, who purchase it of 

 the Malays. 



The animal described and figured in the 7th 

 supplemental volume of Buffon, under the title of 

 Gene ft e du Cap de Bonne Esperance, appears to me 

 to be no other than a variety of the above spe- 

 cies. It is said to have been communicated by 

 Mons. Sonnerat by the name of Chat musque du 

 Cap de Bonne Esperance. The figure represents 

 it white, with black stripes and spots. 



The Ermined Weesel of Mr. Pennant, described 

 and figured in the additions to the History of 

 Quadrupeds, from a drawing communicated by 

 General Davies, is, perhaps, another variety. It 

 is white, with the neck and whole body spotted 

 with ermine-like black spots disposed in rows ; 



