196 



THE LUWACE. 



islands. The little group of animals to which the Luwack belongs was arranged by Cuvier 

 under the generic title of Paradoxurus, literally, Puzzle-tail, because they have a curious habit 

 of twisting their tails into a tight coil, and in their cat-like claws, and their civet-like teeth, 

 present a strange mixture of characteristics. 



The Luwack, or common Paradoxure, is found plentifully in India, from whence many 

 specimens have been brought' to this country. As it has something of the viverrine look about 

 , it, Buffon and other naturalists placed it with the Genetts. It is a curious little creature, 

 rather quick in its movements, and very inquisitive in its aspect, holding its head aside with 

 an air of curiosity that is quite amusing. The eyes of this creature are very small and nearly 

 black. 



As the Luwack is tolerably widely spread, it is known by various names, according to the 

 locality in which it lives. Its Malabar appellation is Pounougar-Poune, a term which signifies 

 "Civet Cat." The general tint of the fur is a yellowish black, but it assumes various hues, 



LUWACK.— Paradoxurus typus 



according to the light in which it is viewed. On each side of the spine run three rows of elon- 

 gated spots, and upon the thighs and shoulders other spots are scattered. But if the animal 

 is viewed in certain lights, the spots on the body seem to be merged into lines, while those on 

 the breast disappear altogether. This change of appearance is caused by the mode in which 

 the hairs are colored, each hair being tipped with a darker hue, and some hairs being totally 

 black. These latter hairs are very silken in texture, and much longer than the yellowish hairs 

 of which the fur is mostly composed. 



The Luwack, as are all the Paradoxures, is entirely plantigrade. Its feet are furnished 

 with sharp claws, which are sufficiently retractile to be kept from the ground when the animal 

 walks, and are preserved so sharp, that they can be used for tree-climbing with the greatest 

 ease. Its tail is very remarkable on account of the tight spiral into which it is frequently 

 rolled, and seems to be unlike the tail of any other animals. Although it can be so firmly 

 curled, it is not prehensile, as might be supposed from its aspect when half unrolled. 



One of these animals, which was kept in the Paris Museum, was accustomed to sleep 

 during the day, coiled round upon its bed, and even by night appeared to feel a distaste 

 for exertion. When evening came on, it would rouse itself from its slumbers, take food and 

 drink, and again resign itself to sleep. 



