45 2 
CARNIVORES. 
cages for the purpose of obtaining its secretion, which is, however, now much less^ 
used in Europe than formerly. 
This civet ( V. zibetha), of which the upper teeth are figured on 
Indian Civet. ^ an i ma l of nearly the same size as its African cousin, its 
total length being 50 inches, of which 18 are occupied by the tail. It is dis¬ 
tinguished by having the erectile crest on the back, of a deep black colour ■ thus 
forming a distinct black stripe running from the shoulders to the first ring on the 
tail, which is bordered on either side by a pale band. I here are several dark bands 
on the chest, shoulders, and thighs; but the sides of the body are either plain- 
coloured or with very indistinct markings; the general colour of the fur being a 
the INDIAN CIVET (£ nat. size). 
dark grey, frequently with a more or less decided yellowish or brownish tinge. 
The tail is marked with six black rings, which are much wider than the interven¬ 
ing white ones; its tip being black. The Indian civet inhabits the eastern side of 
India, from Bengal to Sikliim, ascending in the last-named district to a considerable 
elevation in the Himalaya, and it is also found in Burma, the Malay Peninsula, Siam, 
and Southern China. Mr. Blanford states that this civet is generally a solitary 
animal; and that “ it hides in woods, bushes, or thick grass during the day, 
wandering into open country and often coming about houses at night. Not 
unfrequently it is found in holes, but whether these are dug by it is doubtful. It 
is said to be very destructive, killing any birds or small mammals it can capture, 
and often attacking fowls, ducks, etc., but also feeding on snakes, frogs, insects, 
eggs, and on fruits and some roots.” Civets take readily to water. The female 
produces during May or June three or four young at a birth, which are probably 
