224 FAMILY VIVERRIDJE ; CIVET, GENET, ICHNEUMON. 



line as in the Cat tribe. The general aspect of this animal is 

 shown in the accompanying figure ; it is wild and savage in 



its character, preying upon birds, reptiles, and small mammals, 

 which it takes by surprise ; it exhibits great energy and bodily 

 activity ; and, though the young are easily tamed, adults can 

 never be reconciled to captivity. The best known species is 

 peculiar to North Africa, and is especially common in Abyssinia ; 

 but others are found in different parts of the warmer regions of 

 the Old World. The Genets, of which one species inhabits the 

 South of Europe, present many points of resemblance to the 

 Feline tribe, in manners, as well as in anatomical characters and 

 general aspect ; their claws are completely retractile. And the 

 connection of the two families is still more closely established by 

 certain other species, which have been classed with the Cats. 

 On the other hand, the Ichneumon of Egypt, in the form of its 

 long agile body, its short limbs, semi-plantigrade feet, small 

 glowing eyes, pointed nose, as well as in its bold, active, san- 

 guinary, unrelenting disposition, and in the habits which result 

 from this, bears a very close resemblance to the Weasel tribe. 

 It glides towards its prey with a snake-like movement, and then 

 darts suddenly upon it. It feeds upon birds, and small reptiles, 

 and mammals ; also upon eggs : and it is particularly serviceable 



