564 



CARNIVORA 



The whole of the undermentioned genera are American, and are 

 characterised by the absence of an alisphenoid canal in the skull. 



Procyon} — Dentition : i § , c \, p {-, m ^ ; total 40. The molar 

 teeth broad and tuberculated (Fig. 259). The upper carnassial 

 with three cusps along the outer margin, and a very broad bicuspid 

 inner tubercle, giving an almost quadrate form to the crown. First 

 molar with a large tuberculated crown, rather broader than long ; 



Fig. 259. — Lateral view of skull ami right half of palate of dElurus fttlgats. (From Blanford, 



Mammalia of British India, p. 190.) 



second considerably smaller, with transversely oblong crown. 

 Lower carnassial with an extremely small and ill-defined blade, 

 placed transversely in front, and a large inner cusp and hind talon. 

 Second molar as long as the first, but narrower behind, with five 

 obtuse cusps. Vertebra?: C 7, D 14, L 6, S 3, C 16-20. Body 

 stout. Head broad behind, but with a pointed muzzle. Limbs 



1 Storr, Prodrumiis Meth. Minimi, p. 35 (1780). 



