Page:The Zoologist, 3rd series, vol 2 (1878).djvu/225

Rh to the Lynx. In Newfoundland the Lynx, Lyncus canadensis, is invariably called the " mountain cat." Some authors identify the "pard" with the Leopard, or any spotted feline; but the following quotation from As You Like It, Act ii., Scene 7, can scarcely apply to the Leopard: —

On the other hand, it is doubtful whether the Lynx would be sufficiently strong to kill a deer; therefore, in the following extract, perhaps Shakspeare alluded to the Leopard: —

This well-known animal is an inhabitant of tropical Africa. Some authors state that it is also found in Madagascar, but I believe that the Madagascar Civet is not only a different species, but is referred even to another genus, and is peculiar to the island.

The Civet, often miscalled "Civet Cat," has for generations been a favourite sign for perfumers. Two hundred years ago a Dutchman wrote the following lines under the painted sign of a Civet: —

Formerly the substance procured from the pouch of the Civet, and which is now only used as a scent, was considered a panacea of great efficacy in certain complaints; for this purpose it appears to have been in request in Shakspeare's time: —

The "musk" of the Civet was in those days very expensive, and

'History of Signboards,' p. 162. (The text should read as: Dit is in de Civet-kat, gelyk gy kunt aanschouwen, Maar komt hier binnen, .....etc. - Wikisource-Ed.)