MOSCHUS, the musk, in natural his tory, a genus of Mammoths of the order Pecora. Generic character : no horns ; eight fore-teeth in the lower jaw ; tusks solitary in the upper jaw, exserted. There are six species.
M. moschlferus, or the Tihetian musk, is found in the country from which it takes its name, and also in several pro vinces of China. Its peculiar perfume was well known to the ancients; but no correct description of the figure of this animal appears to have been published till towards the close of the seventeenth century. It more nearly resembles a roebuck than any other creature. It is about three feet and a quarter long, and about two and a half high. The upper jaw is much longer than the under, and contains two tusks, covered inwards, and sharp on the inner side, about two inches long, and visible when the mouth is shut. The substance of these is very similar to ivory. The musk abounds in the moun tainous parts of the countries above men tioned, in the extensive forests of pine trees, and displays extreme agility when pursued by the hunters, bounding from rock to rock with the most elastic energy, and securing itself frequently by its swift progress over rugged and pointed promi nences, and by reaching the most elevat ed and tremendous summits. Musks are valued for food, which, however, at par ticular seasons of the year, is extremely strong, and to those not used to it scarce ly tolerable. But they are principally pursued for the sake of that substance known by the name of musk, and in high estimation as a perfume, and of no little repute also as a medicine, particularly in cases of nervous affection and convulsion. This substance is contained in a tumour attached to the abdomen of the animal, which contains a quantity of soft, unctu ous, brownish matter, proportionate to the health and age of the creature from which it is taken. The smell of this sub
stance is most powerful and pungent,and those who make purchases of the article, and in consequence have to compare the quality of various masses of it, are oblig ed to apply particular precautions, to pre. vent its overwhelming their senses by its stimulating power. It is not extremely uncommon for a considerable dealer in this article to purchase in one journey seven or eight thousand bags of it, which proves the animals from which it is pro cured to be extremely numerous. The Tibetian musk is considered as by far the best. This substance is found only in the male.
M. pygmaus, or the Guinea musk, is of a bright bay colour, and only about nine inches in length, of an elegant shape, and such slender legs, that they scarcely ex ceed the size of a swan's quill. It inha bits many parts of the East Indies, but is most common in the island of Java, the natives of which catch them in snares, and enclosing them in cages, convey them to the markets, where they are sold at very low prices. Their legs are often converted to the purpose of tobacco stoppers, and are ornamented with gold and silver.
M. Americanus, or Brazilian musk, is about the size of a roebuck, and is pecu liar to the southern countries of America, particularly Guiana and Brazil. These animals are called by the Indians does, from the circumstance of neither sex pos sessing horns. They occasionally swim across rivers, and when engaged in these efforts are most easily taken. By land they are active and swift in a very high degree, and so secure and rapid in their progress over projecting rocks, as to oc casion the successfitl hunting of them to be an exercise of no small fatigue and dexterity. Their flesh is in considerable request among the Indians.