40 SUBKITSTGDOM VERTEBRATA. 



Different species abound in all parts of the world. * 



Fig. hi. 



Vulpes mlgflris. Fox 



Mustelidae. The Weasels are greatly diversified in size, 

 habits, color, etc. All have fine fur, short legs, and slim, 

 flexible bodies, which enable them by gliding movements to 

 pursue their prey through small openings. Nearly all have 

 glands secreting a disagreeable odor. Differences in denti- 

 tion and manner of walking afford a means of tabulation : 



Terrestrial, i 



Aquatic. 



DIGITIGEADE. 



DIGITIGRADE. 



j Mustela pentmntii, 



1 " nmericaim, 



Putorius ermineus, 

 lutreolus, 



Mephitis mephitica, 



.Scion americana, 



TEETH =r.S. Gulo, luscus, 



TEETH =3& Lutra canadensis. 



TEETII 

 TEETU 



TEETH 



= 31. -I Mephi 

 f Taxid 



JY.v7.rr. 



Sable. 



Weasel 



Mink. 



Skintl: 

 Uudyer. 

 Wolverine. 

 Otter. 



The Fisher and the Sable are the representatives of the 

 Genus Mustela in North America. The former is the largest 



meet. in order to deceive the dogs ; it will rnn at full jump to the crest of n hill, then 

 quickly lie down, while the headlong spaed of its pursuers carries them pell-mell to 

 the bottom; and even if caught it will feign death, permitting itself to be handled, 

 kicked about, and carried away, without showing any sign of life until a chance of 

 escape offers, when it will suddenly dash off to the intense surprise of those whom it 

 has so cleverly duped, 



* So varied, however, are their individual markings according to age and locality^ 

 that naturalists disagree as to the number of species in North America, or whether 

 there is more than one genus. 



