100 
NATURAL HISTORY. 
amount to three or four hundred, we have reason to 
admire this little animal’s usefulness, as well as in- 
dustry, in destroying them, since otherwise the croc- 
odile might be produced in sufficient numbers to 
overrun the earth. 
THE CIVET. 
271. The Civet is a native of the warmest cli- 
mates, such as Guinea and the central parts of Afri- 
ca, but can be raised in temperate, and even cold 
countries, if fully defended from the injuries of the 
air. Great numbers are raised in Holland, where 
the inhabitants profit largely by the perfume. 
272. The perfume of the Civet is very strong. It 
is taken from a pouch near the tail, and is of the 
colour and consistence of pomatum. That of Am- 
sterdam is reckoned the purest ; the people of other 
countries adulterating it with gums and other mat- 
ters. 
273. The Civet resembles animals of the weasel 
kind in the slenderness of its body, the shortness of 
its legs, and softness of its fur ; but it differs from 
them in its superior size, being more than two feet 
Why have we reason to admire the Ichneumen ? 
Of what climates is the Civet a native ? Where is it raised in 
great numbers 'l What is said of its perfume ? How does it 
compare with the weasel ? 
