GENET

genet, typically a south european carnivorous mammal referable to the _viverridae_ or family of civets, but also taken to include several allied species from africa. the true genet (_genetta vulgaris_ or _genetta genetta_) occurs throughout the south of europe and in palestine, as well as north africa. the fur is of a dark-grey colour, thickly spotted with black, and having a dark streak along the back, while the tail, which is nearly as long as the body, is ringed with black and white. the genet is rare in the south of france, but commoner in spain, where it frequents the banks of streams, and feeds on small mammals and birds. it differs from the true civets in that the anal pouch is a mere depression, and contains only a faint trace of the highly characteristic odour of the former. in south-western europe and north africa it is sought for its soft and beautifully spotted fur. in some parts of europe, the genet, which is easily tamed, is kept like a cat for destroying mice and other vermin. [illustration: the genet (_genetta vulgaris_).]