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THE CARNIVORES 



jaw has a distinct cusp on the inner side of the second lobe of the blade. More- 

 over, they are of comparatively-large size, and may be compared in this respect to 

 the domestic cat. In all of them the body is much elongated, although to a less 

 degree than is the case with the polecats and weasels. The martens are found 

 only in the Northern Hemisphere, and range far to the northward; one species, 

 however, occurring as far south as India and the Malayan region. 



The pine-marten has a total length of from twenty-five to thirty inches, of which 

 from sixteen to eighteen inches are occupied by the head and body, and from nine to 

 twelve inches by the tail, inclusive of the hair at its extremity. As in the other 

 members of this group, the muzzle is sharply pointed, with the nose extending a 



THE PINE-MARTEN. 



(One-fourth natural size.) 



little beyond the lips ; and the ears are thickly covered with hairs on both sides. 

 Beneath the glossy outer-fur there is a thick coat of under-fur ; and the soles of the 

 feet have a thick coat of fur between the bare pads. 



The pine-marten is characterized by the rich brown color of the fur, and the 

 reddish-gray tint and yellow tips of the under-fur; the light-colored fur on the throat 

 and chest varying in tint from yellowish white to a bright orange. The range of 

 this species includes a large portion of Northern Europe and Asia; and in former 

 years the animal was common in the British Isles, where it is now restricted to the 

 wilder districts. From the specific designation of this marten, it would naturally be 

 supposed that it exhibits an especial predilection for pine forests. This, however, 



