630 



THE CARNIVORES 



The crab-eating raccoon (P. cancrivorus} is a nearly-allied South- 

 Crab- a ing American species, distinguished by its superior dimensions and its 

 Raccoon 



much shorter fur, as well as by its proportionately larger teeth. It is 



found typically from Panama to Columbia and Guiana ; but Professor Mivart is of 

 opinion that the raccoons found further to the south, and extending through Brazil 

 to Paraguay, are entitled to rank as a distinct species, on account of their darker 

 feet. The name of black-footed raccoon has, accordingly been proposed for this 

 southern form. These raccoons are very common in certain districts, and appear to 

 agree closely in habits with their northern cousin. 



THE CACOMIXLES 

 Genus Bassaris 



The cacomixles, of which the skull is shown on p. 623, are animals nearly allied 

 to the raccoons, but of more slender build with a sharper muzzle, longer tail, less 

 perfectly plantigrade feet, and teeth of a more typically carnivorous type. 



THE CACOMIXI.E. 

 (One-fifth natural size.) 



The common cacomrxle (Bassaris astuta], represented in the accompanying 

 illustration, is an inhabitant of the United States and Mexico. It is covered with 

 long and soft fur ; and has also well-developed and pointed ears, of which the outer 

 surfaces are nearly naked. The feet have naked pads, but are otherwise hairy ; 

 and their short claws are partially retractile. In size this animal may be compared 

 to a cat, the length of the head and body being about seventeen and one-half 

 inches, and that of the tail (including the hair at the end) nearly the same. The 

 general color is brownish yellow mixed with gray on the upper parts, and whitish 

 below ; but the tips of the ears, and two pieces of spots above and below the eyes, 

 are yellowish white. The bushy tail which differs from that of the raccoons in 



