246 HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS. 



ly to the Civet ; for in the male nothing appears exter- 

 nally but three apertures, fo perfectly fimilar to thofe of 

 the female, that it is impofiible to diftinguifh the fex 

 otherwife than by diflection. 



The perfume of this animal is fo ftrong, that it infers 

 every part of its body : The hair and the fldn are fo tho- 

 roughly penetrated with it, that they retain it long after 

 being taken from the body. If a perfon be fhut up in 

 the fame apartment, it is almoft infupportable ; and, 

 when heated with rage, it becomes (till more pungent. 



The Civet is naturally favage, and fomewhat fero- 

 cious ; yet it is eafily tamed, fo as to be handled with- 

 out danger. 



The teeth are ftrong and fharp ; but its claws are 

 weak. It is very active and nimble, leaps like a Cat, 

 and runs with great fwiftnefs. It lives by hunting ; fur- 

 prizes fmall animals and birds ; and, like the Weafel, 

 will fometimes fteal into the yard, and carry off poultry. 

 — Its eyes fhine in the dark ; and it is probable, that it 

 can fee well enough to purfue its prey during the night, 

 as it is known to be mo ft active at that time. 



The Civet is very prolific in its native climate ; but, 

 though it lives and produces its perfume in temperate re- 

 gions, it is never known to breed there. Its voice is 



ftronger than that of the Cat, and has fome refemblance 

 to the cry of an enraged Dog. 



