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The little group which constitutes this Family is named from the circumstance of one species of it producing the well-known perfume called musk. They differ but slightly from the Deer in general form, but their limbs are much more taper, and their hind quarters considerably elevated ; their face also is narrow and lengthened, and they are destitute of horns. Their dentition is peculiar ; they have eight incisors below, and a vacant space answering to them above, as in most Auminantia; there are also six molars on each side both above and below, but their crowns bear distinct tubercles, and the first in the upper, and the first and second in the lower jaw present cutting edges and points, similar to those of the Carnivora. In each upper jaw there is a canine, which is so lengthened as to project from the mouth in the form of tusks, slightly curved backwards. Those of the true Musk (Moschus moschiferus, .) are three inches in length. None of the species possess cavities beneath the inner angles of the eyes, common in the Deer and Antelopes, nor tufts of bushy hair on the legs. The eyes are large and full; the ears rather small; the tail short. There are accessory hoofs behind the two principal ones, but these are for the most part very small, straight, and placed high above the ground.

The species are almost confined to Eastern Asia, and the adjacent islands; but one has re-