486 ZOOLOGY. 



The genus Putorius had representatives during the last period of the 

 tertiary epoch only ; a few only are known. 



The genus Mephitis (skunk) is composed of species emitting a very strong 

 odor from a liquid secreted by anal glands. They burrow in the ground, or 

 dwell in fissures of rocks, living on poultr}^, birds' eggs, small quadrupeds, 

 and insects. Large families are occasionally found in the same hole. The 

 head in this genus is short, the nose somewhat projecting, and the snout 

 generally blunt. The body is usually covered with long hair, very long on 

 the tail. There are five toes to each foot ; the toes of the fore feet armed 

 with long and curved nails, indicating the habit of burrowing in the earth. 

 In walking the heel is very little raised ; they are semi-plantigrade. The 

 .species of this genus are quite numerous, most of them are South American 

 or Mexican ; three are found in North America. The common American 

 skunk {M. chinga) is one of them. The two others are also found in 

 Mexico. Of the genus Mephitis, the only fossil remains which are known 

 indicate one species in the caverns of Brazil. 



The genus Afydmis includes a species from Java (J/, meliceps), differing 

 from the skunk by a truncated snout resembling that of the hog. 



The genus Palceomephitis resembles very much Mephitis, but differs 

 from it by a broader and more depressed skull. A single species is known, 

 from the fresh water strata of Wirtemberg. 



The genus Lutra (the otters) is distinguished from all the preceding 

 genera of the same family by palmated feet, and a horizontally flattened 

 tail. The head is broad and rounded, terminated by a blunt snout. The 

 ears are very short, as well as the legs. The body itself is robust. They 

 have aquatic habits, live along the banks of streams, and feed upon fishes. 



The common otter of Europe {L. vulgaris) is represented on pi. 113, 

 fig. 16. We have one species in North America, L. canadensis (pi. 114, 

 fig. 10), very nearly allied to it. Other species of this genus occur in 

 Brazil and in the East Indies. 



The genus Lutra had several species in the tertiary fauna of Europe, one 

 of which is the type of Geoffroy's genus Potamotherium. 



The genus Enhydra^ which embraces the sea otter, is characterized by 

 six incisors above, as is usually the case, but only four beneath. The body 

 is very long, otherwise resembling the preceding genus. 



Enhydra marina is found in North America along the Pacific coast. At 

 one time the fur of this animal was the most valuable known. 



Fam. 2. ViVERRiD^. This family is composed of small but purely carni- 

 vorous animals, chiefly distinguished from the Mustelidse or weasels in 

 their external characters. They have an anal pouch more or less developed, 

 which serves to secrete an unctuous matter, in some species highly 

 odoriferous. Their tongue is rough, with sharp papillae. This family is 

 nearly absent in North America ; a single species is found in its warmer 

 portions. 



In the genus Yiverra (the civets), the anal pouch is deep, ami divided 

 into two sacs ; the abundant pomade, which is secreted by the glands of 

 the pouch, has a strong musky odor, and is an article of commerce, used 

 690 



