THE CIVET. 



Description. 



number of hounds as are able collectively to tear 

 in pieces a lion of moderate size, are sometimes 

 obliged to leave the honey-weasel dead in ap- 

 pearance only. It is therefore probable, that 

 nature, which seems to have destined this crea- 

 ture for the destruction of bees, may have be- 

 stowed on it a hide so much tougher than those 

 she has given to other animals of the weasel kind, 

 for the purpose of defending it from the stings 

 of those insects. 



It is an inhabitant of Africa, and principally 

 found about the Cape of Good Hope. 



THE CIVET. 



THIS animal is somewhat more than two feet 

 in length, exclusive of the tail, which is about 

 half the length of its body. The hair is coarse; 

 and, along the back, stands up, so as to form a 

 sort of mane. The colour is a yellowish grey, 

 diversified with dusky spots. Three black .stripes 

 proceed from each ear, and terminate at the 

 throat and shoulders. 



Jt feeds on small animals; particularly on 

 birds, which it takes by surprise ; and when it 

 can steal unperceived into a farm-yard, it com- 

 mits serious depredations among the poultry. It 

 is naturally voracious; and will sometimes roll 

 itself for a minute or two, on its meat, before 

 eating. One that Barbot had at Guadaloupe 



