THE CIVET FAMILY.
The Civets are the best known of the family classed as the Viverridae which comprises not only the two kinds of Civets—the African and the Indian Civet—but the Mangousts, the Genets and many small relatives. The Civets are the largest of this family, although they are not often larger than a Fox. For many years they were very popular, because of the perfume which they furnish and which bears their name. This is secreted in small glands which pour it into a double pouch. Since musk has become better known, the use of the Civet has been less popular, but at one time it formed a valuable article of trade. Each year Africa and India exported to Europe large quantities which was used in medicine and perfumery.
The Indian Civet inhabits not only the Indian Continent, but also the neighboring islands. It differs from the African Civet in having a longer and rougher coat. Both are fawn-colored, marked with stripes or brown spots.
THE MANGOUSTS.
MANGOUSTS.
These are small animals found in the warmest parts of Africa and Asia. They have a low body, but are very rapid in their movements, and their legs are so short, they have the appearance of crawling rapidly along the ground instead of running. Their tail is long and thick at the root, and their skin is silky and marked with colored rings.
The Mangousts make their home in marshy places where there are plenty of Reptiles. They prefer these to any other food, although they attack small animals and Birds. They also search for the eggs of Reptiles, and such Birds as build on the ground. They sometimes manage to get into poultry yards, when, like the Ferrets and Weasels, they kill all that can be found, only eating their brains and drinking their blood.
THE GENETS.
GENETS.
The Genets are handsomer little animals than others of this family. Their silky fur, speckled with black spots on a fawn-colored ground, has a very pretty appearance, and is an object of considerable trade.
The Common Genet is found in the south of France and Spain, and throughout the African Continent, and makes its home in low grounds near the rivers. The claws of the Genets are retractile, that is, capable of being drawn back, like those of the Cat. These animals are very successful in hunting Rats and Mice, and they also climb trees and hunt for young Birds.