VJVERRID^E 



525 



l 



ment of the sabre-toothed or machaerodont dentition, the most 

 specially carnivorous type of structure known. 



Other species of MacJuerodus are found in the Pliocene de- 

 posits of Europe and Asia. The accompany- 

 ing woodcut exhibits the last two upper teeth 

 of the Indian M. sivalensis, from which it will 

 be seen that the inner tubercle of the carnassial 

 is much reduced in size, while the molar is 

 very minute. 



Family 



Premolars or |. Molars ^ or f . Upper 

 carnassial usually without an anterior lobe, and 



J . . ill FlG - 281. Oral surface 



the lower one with a well -developed talon; O f the left tipper 

 second lower incisor (as in all the following and molar 

 families) raised above the level of the first and 8 

 third. Auditory bulla externally constricted, and divided by a 

 septum. An alisphenoid canal (with very rare exceptions). Carotid 

 canal distinct as a groove on the side of the bulla. Humerus 

 usually with an entepicondylar foramen. Digits usually 5-5, but 

 sometimes the pollex or hallux or both may be wanting. Dorsal 

 vertebrae 13 or 14. Limited in distribution to the Old World.' 



The subfamily Cryptoproetinse contains the single genus Crypto- 

 procta. 1 Dentition : i , c ^, p , m \ ; total 36. The teeth 

 generally closely resemble those of the Felidce. The first premolar 

 of both jaws is very minute and early deciduous. The upper 

 carnassial has a very small inner tubercle, quite at the anterior part 

 of the tooth. The true molar is very small and placed transversely. 

 The lower carnassial has a large trenchant bilobed blade, and a 

 very minute talon, but no inner cusp. Skull generally like that of 

 Felis, but proportionately longer and narrower. Orbit widely open 

 behind. Vertebra : C 7, D 13, L 7, S 3, C 29. Body elongated. 

 Limbs moderate in size. Feet subplantigrade ; five well-developed 

 toes on each, with sharp, compressed, retractile claws. Ears 

 moderate. Tail long and cylindrical. 



The only known species, C. ferox, the " Foussa " of the Malagasy, 

 is peculiar to Madagascar, being the largest carnivorous animal in 

 the island. It is about twice the size of the common Cat (5 feet 

 from nose to end of tail), with short close fur of nearly uniform 

 pale brown. Little is as yet known of its habits, except that it is 

 nocturnal, frequently attacks and carries off goats, and especially 

 kids, and shows great ferocity when wounded, on which account it 

 is much dreaded by the natives. 



The remaining numerous specific and generic modifications found 



Bennett, Tram. ZooL Soc. vol. i. p. 137 (1833). 



