CARNIVORA: VIVERRID.E. 41 



The Prairie Fox, V. macrourus, Baird, of the central 

 parts of North America, closely resembles the Red Fox, 

 but is larger, has longer fur and a longer tail, and is re- 

 garded as the most interesting species known. 



The Swift Fox, V. velox, Aud. & Bach., of Oregon, is 

 smaller than the Red Fox, the general color yellowish 

 gray above, back conspicuously grizzled, sides and por- 

 tions of the legs pale reddish-yellow ; the under parts 

 whitish, tail tipped with black. 



The Arctic Fox, V. lagopus, Rich., of the Arctic re- 

 gions, is smaller than the Red Fox, of a white color, the 

 tail very full and bushy, and the soles of the feet densely 

 furred. 



The Gray Fox, V. virginianus, Rich., of the United 

 States, is mixed hoary and black. 



The Coast Fox, V. littoralis, Baird, of the island of 

 San Miguel, coast of California, is the smallest North 

 American fox, being scarcely larger than the common 

 house cat ; the color similar to that of the gray fox. 



ViVRRiD,E, OR CIVET FAMILY. This Family com- 

 prises small animals of the average size of the domestic 

 cat, but more elongated, and with a more pointed muzzle, 

 and with a long tail. In most cases the feet are digiti- 

 grade, with hairy soles and retractile claws. The dental 

 formula is, incisors ^, canines ~, premolars , molars 

 ^|. The dentition differs from that of the dog family in 

 having one tubercular true molar less on each side of the 

 lower jaw. They secrete in a sort of pouch or gland a 

 substance formerly much used in perfumery, and which 

 was long an important article of commerce. With one 

 exception, they belong to the Old World. 



The Genus Bassaris is represented in North America 

 by the Civet Cat, B. astuta, Licht, of Texas to California. 

 This animal is about the size of the domestic cat, but 

 more slender ; the color above brownish yellow mixed 



