98 



CARNIVORES. 



all other members of the present family by having two molar teeth on each side of 

 the upper jaw. 



Especial interest must also attach to some giant otters from the Siwalik Hills 

 of India, which were even larger than the existing Brazilian otter. An upper 

 flesh-tooth of one of these otters is represented in the cut on page 97, which 

 will give some idea of their dimensions. By comparing this figure with the corre- 

 sponding tooth of the recent skull represented on p. 1)1, it will be observed that 

 these gigantic Siwalik otters are distinguished by having three distinct cusps, 

 instead of a crescentic cutting-edge on the inner tubercular portion of the upper 

 flesh-tooth. 



The Sea-Otter. 



Genus Latax. 



As we have already seen, the feline otter of South America is in the habit of 

 frequenting the lagoons and bays of its native coasts rather than rivers, and these 



the sea-otter (fj nat. size). (After Wolf.) 



iili» 



marine habits are still more characteristic of the animal known as the sea-otter 

 (Latax I nt r is), which is regarded as forming a genus by itself. 



The Sea-Otter has a total length of about 4 feet, of which 1 foot, or rather less, 

 is occupied by the tail. In general appearance it is compared by Dr. Coues to one 

 of the eared seals, a resemblance which is increased by the long and flipper-like 

 hind-feet, quite unlike those of all other members of the family to which it belongs. 

 The body has a bolster-like form, tapering in front to join the rather small and 

 rounded head, without any marked constriction at the neck. Both the limbs and 

 tail are short, the latter being cylindrical, slightly tapering, and somewhat trun- 



