426 PROCYONIDAE 



cross stripes (save rings on the tail), which are so common a 

 feature of the coloration of the Cat-like forms. 



In bracketing together the three families which are described 

 in the following pages, emphasis is laid upon a number of un- 

 doubtedly common features. Palaeontology seems, however, to 

 suggest that the Mustelidae come nearer to the Viverridae. That 

 the Bears and Dogs are connected by extinct annectent genera 

 does not interfere with their present distinctness. 



The systematic arrangement of these Carnivora is not easy. 

 It may be useful, however, to give a method of arrangement for 

 the convenient placing of the genera. 



The most primitive group is perhaps that of the true Bears, 

 family Ursidae ; for in them the molars are two above and 

 three below, and have thus not become diminished in number 

 as in some of the other members of the order. Moreover, the 

 Bears have lobate kidneys, which character, often occurring in 

 the young of animals which when adult have smooth kidneys, 

 may be looked upon as a primitive character. The feet further- 

 more are completely plantigrade. This family will contain only 

 three genera, Ursus, Melursus, and Aeluropus. 



Next comes the family Procyonidae, in several members of 

 which one molar is lost below, though in others the more 

 archaic formula is retained. The kidneys are simple. This 

 family contains the American genera Procyon, Nasua, Bassariscus, 

 JBassaricyon, Cercoleptes, and the Old- World form Aelurus. 



The third family, Mustelidae, has the molar formula reduced to 

 ^ or ^-. The kidneys are simple except in the Otters. To this 

 family are assigned the following genera : Arctonyx, Conepatus, 

 Meles, Mephitis, 2'axidea, Mydaus, Mellivora, Helictis, Ictonyx, 

 Mustela, Galictis, Grisonia, Putorius, Gulo, and the aquatic Lutra, 

 Enhydris, and Aonyx. 



Fam. 6. Procyonidae. This family is mainly American in 

 range, the genus Aelurus alone being a native of the Old "World. 

 But Zittel would include with the genera of this family the 

 Viverrine and Oriental genus Arctictis, a proceeding which is 

 perhaps hardly admissible, though the occasional absence of a 

 caecum in that animal is so far in favour of such an alliance. 

 The largely vegetable nature of its food and its arboreal habits 

 cause a certain amount of likeness to some of the members of 

 the present group of Carnivores. The Procyonidae have two 



