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THE COMMON CIVET. (Viverra civetta, Linn.) 

 Civet-Cat . Musk-Cat. 



The common civet inhabits Africa, and, according to some 

 authors, Asia also. 



It is from two to three feet in length, exclusive of the tail, 

 which is nearly half as much more ; and from ten to twelve 

 inches in height. The ground colour of its fur, which is long 

 and coarse, is brownish grey, diversified with numerous transverse 

 interrupted bands, or long irregular dashes of a blackish or 

 dusky colour. From between the shoulders to the extremity 

 of the tail the hair is very long, forming a kind of mane, which 

 the animal can raise or depress at pleasure. 



The civet possesses great agility, leaps as nimbly as a cat, 

 and, like that animal, lives by rapine, principally preying on 

 birds and small mammals, pouncing upon them rather by night 

 and by surprise, than by day and by open force. It has been 

 often known to carry off poultry from the farm-yard. 



Though naturally ferocious, the civet may, in a state of cap- 

 tivity, be rendered moderately tame, but not sufficiently so as 

 to allow of being caressed with impunity. When kept in con- 

 finement, it is usually fed upon rice, boiled meat, eggs, birds, 

 and sugar ; but it appears to be especially fond of fish. It will 

 sometimes roll itself for a minute or two on its food previous 



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