': HE ZIBETH. 



231 



curiously shaped, being considerably flattened on the sides, as if the animal had been 

 pressed between two boards. 



Altogether, the Civet is a very handsome animal, the bold dashing of black and white 

 upon its fur having a very rich effect. The face has a curious appearance, owing to 

 the white fur which fringes the lips, and the long pure white whisker hairs of the lips, 

 and eyes. When young, it is almost wholly black, with the exception of the white 

 whisker hairs and the white fur of the lips. It seems to be an irritable animal, and, 

 when angered, vents its indignation by fierce growls. 



UPON the Asiatic continent, and its islands, the place of the civet is taken by several 

 of the Viverrine tribe, one of which, the ZIBETH, bears a close resemblance to its 

 African relative. 



The Zibeth is a native of many parts of Asia, being found in China, India, the 

 Philippines, Nepal, and other localities. It may be distinguished from the civet by the 

 greater amount of white which is found in the fur, especially about the neck and throat, 



ZIBETH.- Vlverr* Zlbetbm. 



by the shorter hair, and by the greater number of dark rings upon the tail. The tail of 

 the Zibeth is not so largely marked with black at its extremity as that of the civet. The 

 mane or crest which runs along the back is comparatively small. The spots which mark 

 the body are rather indistinctly outlined, and the general tint of the fur seems to be 

 paler than that of the civet. 



It is furnished with a musk-secreting pouch like that of the African civet. It is a 

 lethargic animal in captivity, and even in a wild state passes the day in sleep, and only 

 seeks its food after dark. Its usual diet is composed of birds and the smaller mam- 

 malia, but it will also eat various fruits, especially those of a sweet nature. In size it 

 nearly equals the civet In captivity it is a gentle creature, and is so completely tamed 

 by the natives of the countries where it is found that it inhabits the house like a domes- 

 tic cat and employs itself in similar useful pursuits. 



THE animal which is known by the native name of TANGALUNG, bears some resem- 

 blance to the preceding animals. The black markings, however, are more distinct, and 



