MAMMALS OF MINNESOTA. 85 



D. Auditory bulla little inflated, transversely constricted behin d the 

 meatus auditorius externus and thence inwards; in front flattened 

 forwards; periotic region expanded outwards and backwards. Palate 

 deeply emarginated. 



1. Last molar of upper jaw quadrangular, wide, but with an extended 

 outer incisorial ledge. [Skunks] MEPHITIN.E. 



II. Skull with the cerebral portion swollen backwards and outwards, 

 and with the rostral portion abbreviated, high and truncated for- 

 wards, and widened and depressed above; anteorbital foramen en- 

 larged and produced downwards and backwards. Feet with well- 

 developed interdigital membrane, and adapted for swimming. 



A. Teeth normal, 36 (m , p m |, c , i f x 2): sectorial tooth (p m M 

 normal efficient, with an expanded inner ledge; the other molars 

 submustline. Posterior feet with normally long digits. [Otters] 



B. Teeth very aberrant, 32 (m , p m |, c |. i | the lower inner incisors 

 being lost x 2); sectorial tooth (p m f ) def unctionalized as such, 

 compressed from before backwards; the other molars also with 

 blunted cusps. Posterior feet with elongated digits. [Sea Otters] 

 ENHYDRIN^E. 



Recognizing the taxonomic value of these sub-families as 

 diagnosed by Dr. Gill, we may yet admit that for practical 

 purposes the more artificial and older arrangement has many 

 practical advantages. According to this, the sub-divisions of 

 the family are three, founded upon the structure of the foot: 

 a, plantigrade species the badgers; b, digitigrade species- 

 the weasels; c, oar-footed species the otters. 



Among the badgers we may mention, aside from our own 

 familiar Taxidea, described beyond, the European badger, Meles 

 taxus, which inhabits the whole temperate region of the Asiato 

 -European continent as far as Japan. In form and habits it 

 resembles its American relative while the East Indian badger 

 has a longer tail and is different in color, forming the genus 

 Arctonyx. Mydaus telagon is an animal which seems rather to 

 connect the badgers with the skunks, both in appearance and 

 in habits. It is smaller than the badger and has a white dorsal 

 stripe. It also discharges a foetid fluid from the anal glands 

 when attacked. Africa possesses several representatives of 

 the group which likewise are intermediate between the 

 badgers and skunks. The honey badgers (Mellivora) have 

 well developed anal glands and the peaceful disposition which 

 characterizes the skunks, but in form resemble the badger. 

 For a further discussion of the relations of the two groups, 

 see the chapter on the Mephitidae. 



