in captivity in lower bengal. 69 



Observations on the habits of a Malayan Civet. 



The Malayan civet is active and inquisitive, and is easily tamed. 

 It remains coiled up in its box during the greater part of the day : 

 even a tame one is seldom seen pacing the cage when there is nothing 

 to attract its attention. Compared with the size and bulk of the animal, 

 its footfall is heavy. It is extremely dexterous in killing rats and 

 guinea pigs, holding its prey by the neck and not leaving it until dead. 



(68) THE COMMON GENET. 



(GENETTA VTTLGAKIS— (Less.) ) 



Description. — Head and body elongated. General colour yellowish 

 grey ; body black-spotted ; tail ringed with white and black bands ; tip 

 whitish. A black stripe runs along the middle line of tho back. 



Hab. — South Europe, North Africa and Asia. 



Length of life in captivity. 

 A specimen lived for about six years. 



Treatment in health. 

 It may be treated like the Malayan civet. 



Observations on its habits. 



Resembles the Malayan civet in its habits, but less retiring in 

 disposition, although never very tame. 



(69) HABDWICKE'S HEMIGALE. 



(HEMIGALEA HARDWICKH— (Gray.) ) 



Description.— The specimen exhibited was not quite full-grown 

 when obtained : it measured, head and body, about 18 inches ; tail about 

 15. General colour pale yellow, with black-brown stripes on the head 

 and nape ; across the back are five or six black bands ; the lowest 

 portion of the tail, or more properly its base, is ringed ; its terminal 

 portion black. Head conical, body long, and the back slightly arched. 



Hab. — Borneo, Malacca. 



May be treated like the Malayan civets and genets. 



Observations on its habits. 



Though small, it is a fierce animal. The specimen under notice 

 slept much during the day, but was awake and lively at night It was 

 never seen to touch its food before darkness had come on. When fed 

 upon live food, it attacked its prey with surprising ferocity and quickness. 

 The footfall of this animal was also noticed to be heavy. 



