CARNIVORA. 
167 
the pouch is situate between the anus and the organs 
of generation, and is deep, and divided into two 
sacs, which * are filled with a sort of fatty matter, 
which has a very strong musky odour. 
THE CIVET. LA CIVETTE. 
Viverra Civetta, 
The civet is frequently called a cat. “ Civet is 
of a baser birth than tar — the very uncleanly flux of 
a cat^.” But, independently of the teeth, the pro- 
duction of this odoriferous matter separates it en- 
tirely from the cat family. It is an inhabitant of 
the hottest parts of Africa ; is about two feet long, 
and the tail measures about fourteen inches more. 
The mane, which extends from the top of the neck 
to the extremity of the tail, is capable of being erected 
when the animal is irritated. The drug called civet 
is secreted in a deep double pouch, situate beneath 
the anus, and is voided by the animal when the re- 
servoir has become full. Though an article in the 
more ancient materia medica, and still employed by 
the Oriental physicians, it is with us chiefly used in 
perfumes. Shaw says, it has a very fragrant smell, 
and a subacrid taste ; it unites readily with oils, both 
expressed and distilled ; in watery or spirituous men- 
* As You Like It. Act I. Sc. 2. 
