Histoire Nalurelle des Mammiferes, 421 



<eeth probably differed only in size from the preceding ones, for 

 it is an established fact that the posterior true tubercular molars 

 in each jaw, are always formed on the same model. We are 

 hence enabled to judge of the size of the snout of the Panda, 

 which differs singularly from that of the other Carnivora, with 

 which it appears to be most closely connected. The anterior 

 part of its head cannot in fact project more than that of the Do- 

 mestic Cat ; and this is also shown by the drawing which M. 

 Duvaucel transmitted with the skin. It is completely plantigrade, 

 and there are live toes on each foot, armed with half-retractile 

 claws, like those of the Martens and the Civets; the soles of the 

 feet are also covered with hairs, all of which circumstances tend 

 to remove still farther the Panda from the Racoons. 



The size and proportions of the Panda are those of a large Do- 

 mestic Cat. Its fur is very thick. The head is white, with the 

 exception of the snout and the under part of the lower jaw, 

 which are black, and of a brown spot on the cheeks. The hinder 

 part of the head, the neck, and the shoulders, are of a very 

 brilliant red-brown; the remainder of the body to the origin of 

 the tail is fulvous, becoming brownish behind and on the lower 

 part of the thighs ; the limbs, under part of the neck, chest, and 

 belly are black. On the front of the anterior legs there is a brown 

 fipot, and all the toes have a few fulvous hairs. The tail has five 

 or six fulvous and brown rings, and its extremity is brown. 



Although it is by no means our intention to notice such animals as 

 appear to possess no other claim to attention than what arises from 

 their not having been previously described, we cannot refrain from 

 adverting to a new species of Bear from South America, which is 

 peculiarly interesting as being Ihe only one that has yet been 

 discovered in the whole extent of that vast continent. In its fur 

 it is associated with the Black Bear of N.^rth America, and with 

 the Indian Bears. Like these its hairs are smooth and shining, 

 and of a black tinge upon the greater part of the body. The 

 snout is of a dirty fulvous hue, as are also two semicircles sur- 

 rounding the upper part of the eyes, and arising from a common 

 point between them. The cheeks, the lower jaw, the neck, and 

 tlie chest, as fax as between the fore legs, are white. All these 



