324 THE MUSK. 



great plenty. The bag in common does not cost (if I do 

 not forget) above a crown by retail, and yet this is sup- 

 posed the only one belonging to the animal ; and for the 

 obtaining of which, it must have been hunted arid killed. 

 The only way of solving this difficulty, is to suppose that 

 these bags are, in a great measure, counterfeit, taken from 

 some other animal, or from some part of the same, filled 

 with its blood, and a very little of the perfume, but enough 

 to impregnate the rest with a strong and permanent odor. 

 The Musk inhabits different parts of the Eastern Conti- 

 nent, and the barren land of America lying to the north- 

 ward of the sixtieth degree of latitude, and ranges to Mel- 

 ville Island, over the islands which lie to the north of the 

 American Continent. Musk comes to us from China, Ton- 

 quin, Bengal, and often from Muscovy : that of Thibet is 

 reckoned the best, and sells for fourteen shillings an ounce ; 

 that of Muscovy the worst, and sells but for three ; the 

 odor of this, though very strong at first, being quickly 

 found to evaporate. Musk was some years ago in the 

 highest request as a perfume, and but little regarded as a 

 medicine ; but at present, its reputation is totally changed ; 

 and having been found of great benefit in physic, it is but 

 little regarded for the purposes of elegance. It is thus that 

 things which become necessary, cease to continue pleas- 

 ing ; and the consciousness of their use, destroys their 

 novver of administering delight. 



