TOUAN. 
362 
three longitudinal black bands* commencing be- 
hind the head* and terminating at the shoulders ; 
and three other bands commence over the loins, and 
terminate at the tail ; there is also another band 
running along the middle of the belly. On each 
side the belly and thighs are thirty round black 
spots* symmetrically arranged in rows, Yiz. 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 circles. From 
the above description* as well as from Sonnerat's 
figure* it appears that this animal is much allied 
to the genet and the fossane. Mons. Sonnerat tells 
us it lives by chace ; and is very nimble in 
mounting trees* &c. It is a fierce creature* 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 peculiar receptacle like 
that of the ci vet cat, and some others of this genu*. 
The Malays collect the fluid thus secreted, and 
pretend that it is stimulant and stomachic. It is 
much esteemed for these qualities by the Chinese* 
who purchase it of the Malays. 
Touan. 
Tins is a very small specks, less than the com- 
mon weasel* and is a native of Cayenne* living in 
hollow trees, and feeding on worms and insects. 
The upper part of the snout, the head* and the 
whole body, as far as the tail, is blackish ; the 
sides of the body and limbs* bright ferruginous ; 
and the lower parts* from throat to tail,, white f 
the tail towards the tip is bare;. 
