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: —
"Then a soldier,
Full of strange oaths, and bearded like the pard."
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: —
"As fox to lamb, as wolf to heifer's calf,
Pard to the hind," &c.
Troilus and Cressida. Act iii., Scene 2.
The Civet, Viverra civetta.
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: —
"Dit's in de Civet Kat, gelyt gy kunt aanschouwen,
Maar komt hier binnen, hier zyn parfuimen
Voor mannen en vrouwen."*
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: —
"Give me an ounce of civet, good apothecary, to sweeten my imagination: there's money for thee."
King Lear. Act iv., Scene 6.
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.)
