498 CARNIVORES. 



lower jaw ; and the second (now the first) shows its true analogies 

 by its double implantation, as well as by the position of its crown 

 behind the first in the upper jaw (p 1.) In the Stoats (fig. 1), 

 Skunks and R-atels, the premolar series is further reduced by the 

 loss of the anterior tooth in both jaws, and by the diminution 

 of the size of the second, thus become the first in both jaws, 

 and which is also now implanted by a single fang. In a South 

 American Skunk {Mephitis Humboldtii, fig. 11), the second pre- 

 molar disappears in the upper jaw, leaving there only the 

 analogues of the third and fourth, which latter is always the 

 sectorial in the Mustelidce, as in other terrestrial Carnivora. This 

 tooth, under all its modifications, retains the blade with the lobe, 

 corresponding to the middle one in the feline sectorial, generally 

 well developed and sharp pointed : the differences are principally 

 manifested by the proportions of the inner tubercle, and the re- 

 lative size of the third root supporting it. But the upper sec- 

 torial, being a premolar, and therefore requiring less modifica- 

 tion of the crown to adapt it for its special functions, manifests 

 a more limited extent of variety than the lower sectorial, which, 

 being a true molar, requires greater modification of the typical form 

 of its crown to fit it for playing upon the opposite blade of the 

 flesh-cutting pair of teeth. 



185. Melidce. — In this sub-family I comprise the European 

 Badger (Meles), the Indian Badger (Arctonyx), and the American 

 Badger (Taxidea) ; which, with respect to their dentition, stand at 

 the opposite extreme of the Mustelidao to that occupied by the 

 predaceous Weasel, and manifest the most tuberculate and 

 omnivorous character of the teeth. The formula (PL 128, fig. 13, 

 PI. 129, fig. l.)is:— 



Incisors — ^ ; canines — ; premolars ' — : molars — : = 30. 



3—3 ' 1—1 ' ^ 4—4 ' 2-2 



The canines (PL 129, fig. 2 and 5,) are strongly developed, 

 well pointed, with a posterior trenchant edge : they are more com- 

 pressed in Arctonyx than in Meles. The first lower premolar {p 1) 

 is very small, single-fanged, and, generally, soon lost. The first 

 above, (PL 128, fig. 13, PL 129, fig. 1, p 2) corresponding with 

 the second in the Dog, is also small and implanted by two connate 



