CIVET (Viverra), a genus of Carnivorous Mammals forming with the genet and ichneumon the family Viverridce r and characterized by the possession of a deep pouch situated in the neighbourhood of the genital organs (divided into two sacs each about the size of an almond), into which the substance known as civet is poured from the glandular follicles secreting it. This fatty substance is at first semifluid and of a yellow colour, but afterwards acquires the consistency of pomade and becomes darker. It has a strong musky odour, exceedingly disagreeable to those unaccustomed to it, but “when properly diluted and combined with other scents it produces a very pleasing effect, and possesses a much more floral fragrance than musk, indeed it would be impossible to imitate some flowers without it” (RimmeΓs Art of Perfumery). There are three species of civet-producing Viverridoe. The Civet ( Viverra civetta) is a native of North Africa and extends as far south and west as Fernando Po. It is from 2 to 3 feet in length, exclusive of the tail, which is half the length of the body, and stands from 10 to 12 inches high. It is covered with long hair, that on the middle line of the back being longest and capable of being raised or depressed at will, of a dark-grey colour, with numerous transverse black bands and spots. It is chiefly nocturnal, and is by preference carnivorous, feeding on birds and the smaller quadrupeds, in pursuit of which it climbs trees, but it is said also to eat fruits, roots, and other vegetable matters. In a state of captivity it is never completely tamed, and is only thus kept for the sake of the civet, which is obtained in largest quantity from the male, especially when he is in good condition and is subjected to irritation. It is scraped from the pouch with ...