THE CIVET CAT. 



door at the hinder part, the creature is drawn backwards by the tail, ani| 

 held fecurely, whilft a fmall fpoon, or fpatula, is introduced, through an orifice 

 fituated under the tail, into the pouch containing the perfume* which is 

 carefully fcraped, and the contents of it are put into a proper velfel. This 

 operation may be performed two or three times a week ; and it is remarked, 

 that the animal produces moll after having been irritated. This perfume is 

 fo ftrong, that it infects every part of its body, and even the hair and fkin, 

 which retain the fmell for a long time after they have been feparated from 

 it. If a perfon be fhut up in the fame apartment with it, it is almoft 

 infupportable. 



Though the Civet is naturally favage, it is capable of being tamed, and 

 rendered tolerably familiar. Its voice is ftronger than that of a Cat, and 

 fomewhat refembles the cry of an enraged Dog. 



The general value of civet in Holland is about fifty millings per ounce ; 

 but, like all other objects of tafte and fafhion, its price varies. It Ihould be 

 chofen new, of a good confidence, whitifh colour, and a firong, difagreeable 

 fmell. This perfume is much more grateful than muik, to which it bears 

 fome refemblance. It formerly found its way into phyficians' prefcriptions, 

 but is now quite difcontinued as a medicine. 



