. III. DIST. CHAR. Prototype. 77 



a. 48. MAMM ALI A (Mammalia} are animals that 

 are viviparous and suckle their young (v. Syst. 

 Nat. ed. Gmel. p. 12). 



Obs. The remains of mammalia are not uncom- 

 mon in the mineral kingdom, excepting as petrifac- 

 tions, in which state they are to he considered as 

 very rare. The different fossil mammaliath&t have 

 hitherto heen discovered, are, in general, those of a 

 large kind, as Elephants, Rhinoceri, Whales, &c. 

 Among these are many unknown species, or such as 

 have not, as yet, been found in the recent state; par- 

 ticularly one of an immense size, which appears to 

 have been a carnivorous animal its remains are 

 most common in North America, but have, also, 

 been found in some parts of Europe. f 



t For the kinds (genera) of mammalia, hitherto discovered in 

 the fossil state, v. Syst Arrangement. P. 2. 



In the Report of the Transactions of the National Institute 

 of France, 1806, there are some very curious aud interesting remarks 

 by M. Cuvier, on the different species of this class, that have been 

 distinctly ascertained to belong to the fossil kingdom, and that 

 have not, as yet, been found living or in the recent state. Accord- 

 ing to this celebrated anatomist, both the elephant and rhinoceros, 

 whose remains have been found buried in every part of the known 

 world, are perfect 1 v distinct from the present living species. There 

 is a marked diiference, in the structure of their skeletons, from 

 those of the elephant and rhinoceros of the present day, and he 

 concludes, that there can be no doubt that the animals, which fur- 

 nished these relics, are now extinct. To these he adds two species 

 of Bears, found buried with the remains of the Tiger and other 

 carnivorous animals, in the caverns of Germany; and at least 



