MOS 
as before, they are filled with a black com- 
position, partly consisting of Burgundy 
pitch, w hich, when rubbed otf, and rendered 
smooth by polishing, affords an imjierfect 
picture, very greatly inferior to the beauti- 
ful works produced in the manner before 
described, and rather deserving the term of 
inlaid work than mosaic. There are other 
methods of imitating this splendid produc- 
tion of art; but with materials that pre- 
vents a possibility of deception ; indeed 
their poverty of effect has operated to ba- 
nish them from the palaces of Europe almost 
universally, 
MOSC'hUS, the mtisk, in natural history, 
a genus of Mammalia of the order Pecoin. 
Generic character : no horns ; eight fore- 
teeth in the lower jaw; tusks solitary in the 
npper jaw exserted. There are six species. 
M. moschiferus, or the Tibetian ninsk, is 
found in the country from which it takes its 
name, ami also in several provinces of China. 
Its peculiar perfume was well known to the 
ancients; hut no correct description of the 
figure of this auimal appears, to have been 
published till towards the close of the sc- 
venfeenlh century. It more nearly resem- 
bles a roebuck than any other creature. It 
is about three feet and a (piarter long, and 
about two and a half high. The upper jaw 
is mnch longer than the under, and contains 
two tusks, curved inwards, and sharp on the 
inner side, about two inches long, and visible 
when the month is shut The substance of 
these is veiy similar to ivory. The musk 
abounds in the mountainous parts of the 
countries above mentioned, in the exUn- 
sive forests of pine trees, and displays ex- 
treme agility when pursued by the hunters, 
bomiding from rock to rock with the most 
elastic energy, and securing itself frequently 
by its swift progress over nigged and point- 
ed prominences, and by reaching tlie most 
elevated and treinendius summits. Mmsks 
are valued for food, which, however, at par- 
ticular seasons of the year, is extremely 
strong, and to those not used to it scarcely 
tolerable. Bnt they are principally pur- 
.sued for the sake of that substance known 
by the name of innsk, and in high estima- 
,tion as a perfume, and ot no little repute 
also as a medicine, particularly in cases of 
nervous atfeetion and convnlsion. This 
substance is contained in a tumor attached 
to the abdomen of the animal, which con- 
tains a quantity of soft, unctnons, brownish 
matter, proportionate to the health and age 
of the creature fiom which it is taken. The 
smell of this substance is most powerful and 
MOS 
pungent , and those who make pnrehases of 
the article, and in consequence have to 
compare the quality of various masses of it, 
are obliged to apply particular precautions, 
to prevent its overwhelming their senses by 
its stimulating power. It is not extremely 
uncommon for a considerable dealer in this 
article to purchase in one journey seven or 
eight thonsind bags of it, which proves the 
animals from which it is procured to be ex-' 
tremely numerons. The Tibetian musk is 
considered as by far the best. This sub- 
stance Is found only in the male. 
M. pygmmus, or the Guinea mask, is of a 
bright bay colour, and only about nine in- 
ches in length, of an elegant shape, and 
such slender legs, that they scarcely exceed 
the size of a swan’s quill. It inhabits many 
parts of the East Indies, but is most com- 
mon in the island of Java, the natives of 
which catch them in snares, and inclosing 
them in cages, convey them to the mai kets, 
where they are sold at very low prices. 
Their logs are often converted to the pur- 
pose of tobacco stoppers, and are orna- 
mented with gold and silver. 
M. Americamis, or Brazilian mnsk, is 
about the size of a roebuck, and is peculiar 
to the southern countries of America, pai'ti- 
cularly Guiana and Brazil. These animals 
are called by the Indians does, from the 
circumstance of neither sex possessinghorns. 
They occasionally swim across rivers, and 
when engaged in these efforts are most easi- 
ly taken. By land they are active and 
swift in a very high degree, and so secure 
and rajlid in their progress over projecting 
rocks, as to occasion the successful hunting 
of them to be an exercise of no small fatigue 
and dexterity. Their flesh is in consider- 
able request among the Indians. 
MOSQUE, a temple, or place of religious 
worship, among the Mahometans. All 
mosques are square buildings, generally 
built with stone; before the chief gate 
there is a square court, paved with white 
marble, and low galleries round it, whose 
roof is supported by marble pillars. In 
these galleries the Turks wash themselves 
before they go into the mosque. In each 
mosipie there is a great number of lamps ; 
and between these hang many crystal rings, 
ostriches eggs, and other curiosities, which, 
when tlie lamps are lighted, make a fine 
show. Asit is not lawful to enter the mosques 
with shoes or stockings on, the pavements 
are covered with pieces of stuff sewed to- 
gether, each being wide enough to hold a 
row of men sitting, kneeling, or prostrate. 
