THE WOLVERENE. 299 



GENUS GULO. 



This genus is represented by one species, which keeps to the cold 

 regions of Europe and Asia, and on this continent comes as far south as 

 the Great Lakes. 



The Wolverene, G21I0 luscus (Plate XX), has a strong compact 

 body, a short tail, which is very bushy, a thick short neck, large head 

 and short legs. Sometimes it attains the length of three feet. Old 

 naturalists gave this animal the name of Glutton, and told marvellous 

 stories respecting its voracity ; in fact it has been known in captivity 

 to eat thirteen pounds of meat in a day. 



The general aspect of this animal is not unlike that of a young bear, 

 and probably on that account it was placed by Linnasus among the bears 

 under the title of Ursus Luscus. The general color of the Wolverene is 

 a brownish-black ; the muzzle is black as far as the eyebrows, the space 

 between the eyes of a brownish hue. In some specimens, a few white 

 spots are scattered upon the under jaw. The sides of the body are 

 washed with a tint of a warmer color. The paws are quite black, and 

 the contrast between the jetty fur of the feet and the almost ivory white- 

 ness of the claws is extremely curious. These white claws are much 

 esteemed among the natives of Siberia for use in manufacturing certain 

 feminine adornments. 



The Wolverene is specially obnoxious to hunters, as it takes the bait 

 from their traps, and discovers the stores of provisions that they have 

 cached or hidden as they advanced, and on which they depend for suste- 

 nance on their return. 



GENUS GALICTIS. 



The two species of this genus are confined to tropical America, and 

 differ very little in their habits or modes of life. 



The Grison or Huron, Galictis vittata, is found in Brazil and Para- 

 guay. Its color is peculiar, being lighter on the back than on the belly 

 the latter being of a dullish black color, the former covered with a gray 

 fur. The ears of this species are very small, and the tongue is rough. 

 The hairs which give the distinctive coloring to the upper parts of the 

 Grison are longer than those which cover the remaining portions of the 



