MALACCA WEESEL. 407 
Spots, symmetrically arranged in rows, viz. three 
rows on each side, and one over the back: the 
tail, which is longer than the body^ is marked 
with a great many alternate black and grey cir- 
cles. From the above description, as VvtII as from 
Sonnerat s figure, it appears that this animal is 
much allied to the Genet and the Fossane. Mr. 
Sonnerat tells us it lives by chase ; and is very 
nimble in mounting trees, &c. it is a fierce crea- 
ture, and if only wounded, when shot at, will 
turn back and attack the aggressor. It diffuses a 
powerful musky odour, which is owing to a pecu- 
liar receptacle like that of the Civet Cat and 
some others of this genus. The Malays collect 
the fluid thus secreted, and pretend that it is sti- 
mulant and stomachic. It is much esteemed for 
these qualities by the Chinese, who purchase it of 
the Malays. 
The animal described and figured in the 7th 
supplemental vokime of Buffon, under the title of 
Genet te du Cap de Bonne Esperance, appears to me 
to be no other than a variety of the above spe- 
cies. It is said to have been communicated by 
Mons. Sonnerat by the name of Chat musqiie die 
Cap de Bonne Esperance, The figure represents 
it white, with black stripes and spots. 
The Ermined TVeesel of Mr. Pennant, described 
and figured in the additions to the History of 
Quadrupeds, from a drawing communicated by 
General Davies, is, perhaps, another variety. It 
is white, with the neck and whole hody spotted 
with ermine-like black spots disposed in rows : 
