THE NAPU CHEVROTAIN. 457 



preparatory process with fuller's earth. The flesh of all the 

 species is eaten. Owing to a scarcity of fire-wood, the dung 

 is used as a substitute for fuel in the mountain cottages and 

 mines, and it emits a clear, strong, and lively flame. 



THE NAPU CHEVROTAIN.* (Moschus Javanicus, Raffles.) 



This elegant animal inhabits Java and Sumatra. It is one 

 of the smallest of the ruminating mammals, its size being about 

 equal to a full grown hare. In general appearance it much 

 resembles deer, but it differs from them in its dentition, its want 

 of horns, and in many other respects. The fur on the upper 

 parts of the body is dark glossy brown - } on the belly, inside of 

 the legs, on the throat and chin, it is pure white, and there is 

 a stripe of this colour on either side of the chest ; the muzzle 

 is hairless, of a dusky black, and extends beyond the mouth ; 

 the eyes are very large, prominent, dark, and remarkably 

 brilliant - } the legs are exceedingly slender ; and the tail rather 

 short. 



It seldom visits the larger forests, but frequents thickets in 

 the vicinity of man, and near the sea-shore. Its food is prin- 

 cipally berries j its voice is very low ; and its sitting posture 

 somewhat resembles that of a hare in her form. If procured 

 when young it is easily tamed, and is then perfectly at its ease, 

 and careless of what is passing around it, unless the temptation 

 of food excites its attention. 



* It is sometimes called napu musk-deer, but such a name is deceptive, for 

 it does not secrete that strong- scented substance, which is obtained from 

 another species (M. moschiferus] . As it is the generic term is objectionable, 

 but no other has been proposed. 



