MAMMALS OF MINNESOTA. 85 
_D. Auditory bulla little inflated, transversely constricted behin d the 
meatus auditorius externus and thence inwards; in front flattened 
forwards; periotic region expanded outwards and backwards. Palate 
deeply emarginated. 
1, Last molar of upperjaw quadrangular, wide, but with an extended 
outer incisorial ledge. [Skunks]—MEPHITIN #&. 
II. Skull with the cerebral portion swollen backwards and outwards, 
and with the rostral portion abbreviated, high and truncated for- 
wards, and widened and depressed above; anteorbital foramen en- 
larged and produced downwards and backwards. Feet with well- 
developed interdigital membrane, and adapted for swimming. 
A. Teeth normal, 36 (m 3, pm j,c4, i § x 2): sectorial tooth (p m #) 
normal efficient, with an expanded inner ledge; the other molars 
submustline. Posterior feet with normally long digits. [Otters]— 
LUTRINZ. 
B. Teeth very aberrant, 32 (m4, p m 3, c +. i §—the lower inner incisors 
being lost—x 2); sectorial tooth (p m+) defunctionalized as such, 
compressed from before backwards; the other molars also with 
blunted cusps. Posterior feet with elongated digits. [Sea Otters]— 
ENHYDRIN2#. 
Recognizing the taxonomic value of these sub-families as 
diagnosed by Dr. Gill, we may yet admit that for practical 
purposes the more artificial and older arrangement has many 
practical advantages. According to this, the sub-divisions of 
the family are three, founded upon the structure of the foot: 
a, plantigrade species—the badgers; b, digitigrade species— 
the weasels; c, oar-footed species—the otters. 
Among the badgers we may mention, aside from our own 
familiar Taxidea, described beyond, the European badger, Meles 
taxus, Which inhabits the whole temperate region of the Asiato 
-European continent as far as Japan. In form and habits it 
resembles its American relative while the East Indian badger 
has a longer tail and is different in color, forming the genus 
Arctonyx. Mydaus telagon is an animal which seems rather to 
connect the badgers with the skunks, both in appearance and 
in habits. It is smaller than the badger and has a white dorsal 
stripe. It also discharges a foetid fluid from the anal glands 
when attacked. Africa possesses several representatives of 
the group which likewise are intermediate between the 
badgers and skunks. The honey badgers (WMellivora) have 
well developed anal glands and the peaceful disposition which 
characterizes the skunks, but in form resemble the badger. 
For a further discussion of the relations of the two groups, 
see the chapter on the Mephitide. 
