RELATIOXSHIPS OF MUSTELA AMERICANA. 85 



the question. It is dow almost universally admitted to be a 

 distinct species, eveu by the most cautious and conservative 

 writers, some among whom, like Bell, were formerly inclined 

 to the contrary opinion. Some external characters, more or 

 less obvious and constant, like the white gular patch, are 

 correlated with perfectly definite and satisfactory cranial and 

 dental peculiarities, as elsewhere detailed in this paper. 



In discussing the European and American Pine Martens, to 

 which I will now direct attention, Gray, Brandt, and Baird 

 were agreed upon specific distinction. Allen dissented from such 

 view, reviving the case as presented by Eichardson, Audubon, 

 and others. Dr. Gray made the separation entirely upon the 

 character of the posterior upper molar. Dr. Brandt elaborately 

 detailed external characters of size, proportion, color, and char- 

 acter of pelage. Baird adduced certain cranial and dental as 

 well as external features. Allen confined himself to external 

 points. Finding that the accounts of authors are unsatisfac- 

 tory or conflicting in these respects (as may be truly said to be 

 the case), observing the great admitted range of variation, and 

 not examining the skulls and teeth, he disallowed specific valid- 

 ity. I myself, with ample material before me, do not find suffi- 

 cient grounds derived from examination of the skins alone for 

 admitting the specific distinction of M. americana and martes 

 (but it is otherwise when the skull and teeth are considered). 

 Some of the alleged distinctions obviously fail. Thus, there is 

 no difference in the furring of the soles (cf. Baird, oj). clt. p. 

 154); in the animal from either country, the pads may be ex- 

 posed or concealed according to season or locality. Many of 

 the minute points of coloration adduced by Brandt cannot be 

 verified, and, indeed, are negatived in the examination of suffi- 

 cient series of specimens. Prof. Baird has, I think, most perti- 

 nently summed the case in the following terms (?. c): — "The 

 Swedish specimens are much larger, although the skulls appear 

 to indicate the same age. The fur is harsher and coarser, and 

 the prevailing tints paler; the tail and feet are not very dark 

 brown, instead of being almost black. The color of the fur at 

 base is lighter. The throat-patch does not touch the fore legs. 

 The tails of the European specimens appear longer in propor- 

 tion to the body . . . . " This greater length of the tail is 

 also attested by Brandt, who says that the tail-vertebr;^ in 71/. 

 martes equal one half or more of the length of head and 

 body, and extend nearly oue-third beyond the outstretched 



