1T8 
VERTEBRATA. 
In a state of captivity it becomes in a dcgi^ee tame, but never familiar, and is dangerous to 
handle. The young arc fed on farinaceous food, inillet-pap for instance, witli a little flesh or fisli; 
and, ivhcu old, on raw flesh. ]\Iany of them are kept in North Africa to obtain the perfiime 
whieli bears tlie name of the animal, and brings a high price. The civet is procnred by scraping 
the inside of the jjouch with aii iron spatula at interrals — about twice a week. If the animal is 
in good condition and a male, especially if he has been irritated, a dram or thereabouts is 
obtained each time. The quantity collected from the female does not equal that secreted by the 
male. Civet, which, by the way, is sometimes confounded Avith musk, like most other articles of 
this nature, is much adulterated, and it is difiicult to get it quite pure. The adulteration is 
effected with suet or oil to make it heavier. 
The other species, the Zibet, V. zibetka, is somewhat smaller than the preceding ; the general 
complexion is brownish gray, marked Avith small, black, round spots. It is a native of India. 
x\ species of zibet is also found in the islands of Sumatra, Borneo, and Celebes, somewhat larger 
than the one just described. The fur is also of a lighter color. To this is given the name of 
V, Tangcdunga by naturalists. 
Cfenus C4ENET : Genetta. — Of this genus there are several species, all somewhat smaller than 
a cat, and all living upon animal prey. 
The Common Genet, G. vulgaris — Viverra genetta of Linnseus — is of a beautiful reddish gray, 
spotted with small black or broAvn patches, -which are sometimes round and sometimes oblong; 
tile tail, which is as long as the body, is ringed with black and white, the black rings being to 
the number of nine or eleven. There are white spots on the eyebrow, the cheek, and on each 
side of tbe end of the nose. It appears, however, that there is some variety in the size and 
number of the patches, the bands along the shoulder and neck, the lines on the nape, etc. 
This handsome animal is found both in a wild and domestic state in the south of Europe, and 
tlience southward through Africa to the Cape of Good Hope. In its natural state, it loves to 
dw-ell in low lands, or along the banks of rivers and lakes, and in the vicinity of springs. It is of 
predatory babits, and feeds upon small animals, although it also eats vegetables. In the light, 
the eyes contract like those of a cat, and the claws are nearly as retractile as those of that 
