Bible Encyclopedias
Weasel

Kitto's Popular Cyclopedia of Biblical Literature

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Fig. 341—Paradoxurus Typus—the Palm-Martin

The Viverridae and Mustellidae appear, both anciently and among ourselves, collected into a kind of group, under an impression that they belong to the feline family; hence we, like the ancients, still use the words civet-cat, tree-cat, pole-cat, etc.; and, in reality, a considerable number of the species have partially retractile claws, the pupils of the eyes being contractile like those of cats, of which they even bear the spotted and streaked liveries. All such naturally have arboreal habits, and from their low lengthy forms are no less disposed to burrow; but many of them, chiefly in other hemispheres, are excellent swimmers. One of these species, allied to if not the same as genetta barbara, is the Thela Aelan, by Bochart described as having 'various colors, and as being spotted like a pard.' There are besides, in the same region, the nimse ferret or polecat, for these two are not specifically distinct, the weasel differing from ours chiefly in its superior size and darker colors. A paradoxurus, identical with or nearly allied to P. typus, occurs in Arabia; for it seems these animals are found wherever there are palmiferae, the date-palm in particular being a favorite residence of the species. Two or three varieties, or perhaps species, of nems occur in Egypt solely. Arabia Proper has several other animals not clearly distinguished, though belonging to the families here noticed.

 

 

 

 

Bibliography Information
Kitto, John, ed. Entry for 'Weasel'. "Kitto's Popular Cyclopedia of Biblical Literature". https://www.studylight.org/​encyclopedias/​eng/​kbe/​w/weasel.html.