FAUNA AMERICANA. 71 



Mustela, Linn. Gmel. 



CHABACTEHS. 



f" Incisor 6. 

 Tsuperior 1 8. < Canine 2. 



Dental fomiUa.-Teeth 36.^ hSr 6. 



^inferior 18. < Canine 2. 

 (.Molar 10. 



The second inferior incisor of each side a little 

 receding in some species; canines of moderate 

 length and hooked ; the first superior molar small, 

 blunt, and sometimes deciduous ; the second cut- 

 ting; the third of similar form but thicker; the 

 fourth of moderate thickness, with two external 

 points, and furnished with a strong spur on the 

 inner side ; the fifth has three small points exter- 

 nally, with a broad spur internally ; inferior mo- 

 lars vary from five to six, the first being often 

 wanting ; in other respects they resemble the 

 superior. 



Head broad and flat; tongue slightly papillous ; 

 ears short and round; body very long and Ioav 

 upon the legs ; toes armed with hooked nails, not 

 retractile, and united by a membrane proper to 

 facilitate natation. 



Tail not so large as the body, strong, and de- 

 pressed at its base ; body covered with two sorts 

 of hair, a fine soft down, and long brilliant bristles. 

 Two small glands secreting a fetid liquor, situated 

 near the anus. 



Habit. (Carnivorous like the martins, but liv- 



