MAMMALS OF MINNESOTA. 75 



rather long and has a pointed muzzle and pointed erect ears. 

 The claws are not retractile but are worn off by contact 

 with the earth. Pew species are strictly fossorial though 

 many dig rapidly upon occasion. The tail is of moder-" 

 ate length and is most frequently covered by bushy hairs and 

 is less flexible than in most of the Felidce. The color is usually 

 rather uniform, and only in a few cases vivid, and although the 

 fur is thick is rarely of any commercial value. The teeth are 

 strong and less specialized than in the cats. The general 

 . formula is as follows: milk teeth f. }-. f=32; permanent teeth 

 f. $. J. |=42. The incisors are small and three lobed above and 

 two-lobed below. The canines are long and curved and some- 

 what flattened laterally. The fourth upper premolar is the 

 sectorial tooth, being composed of two trenchant blades or 

 cones; from the base of the anterior blade springs a tubercle. 

 The lower sectorial is formed by the first molar. 



In the genus Cyon, found in India, there is one molar less be- 

 low on either side making the whole number 40. The genus 

 Otocyon, represented by a small fox-like dog in South Africa, 

 has 46 to 48 teeth by the addition of one molar below and one 

 or two above on either side. In some instances there are but 

 four claws upon the fore feet but usually the thumb, although 

 elevated above the other digits, has a perfect claw while the 

 hind feet are four- toed. Most species secure their prey through 

 their superior speed and endurance but, as they hunt in packs, 

 what speed is unable to accomplish is brought about by con- 

 certed pursuit. In like manner, although individually very 

 cowardly, the wild dogs are formidable enemies of the largest 

 wild beasts and are much dreaded by man himself. It is that 

 social instinct so foreign to the cat family which makes the dog 

 dependent upon other members of his race or, when domesti- 

 cated, upon the will of his master to a larger extent than in 

 most animals, which makes him so well adapted for the com- 

 panionship of overbearing man. Although carnivorous, many 

 species seem to prefer carrion and not a few will adapt them- 

 selves to a partly vegetable diet. The sense of smell is the 

 most highly developed of the senses and is more acute in this 

 family than in any other. The ear is also well developed but 

 the eye, even in nocturnal species, is not particularly keen. The 

 bark of the domestic dog seems to be a result of association 

 with man, all wild dogs indulging their mood and venting their 

 feelings in demoniacal howls. 



