680 



together wth the hyoid arch and fabellae. The transverse processes of the cervical vertebrae, 

 consisting of the diapophysis only, are not perforated. Anapophyses begin to be developed 

 upon the tenth dorsal, and are continued to the penultimate lumbar vertebra. Nine pairs of 

 ribs directly join the sternum, which consists of eight bones with the xiphoid appendage. 

 The scapula is longer, more quadrate, and more equally bisected by the spine than in the 

 Mustelidee : the acromion is bifid, but its divisions are less distinct. The bones of the extre- 

 mities are longer and more slender. The humerus is imperforate at the inner condyle, but is 

 pierced between the condyles. The first or innermost digit is relatively shorter on both the 

 fore and hind limbs than in the Mustelidee, taking no share in the support of the body. 

 Hsemapophyses are developed beneath some of the caudal vertebrae. The haemal canal 

 ceases after the tenth caudal vertebra. An articular pit behind the external condyle of the 

 femur indicates the existence of a fabella. 



Mus. Brookes. 



4265. The vertically and longitudinally bisected cranium of the Civet (Vh-erra Ci- 

 vetta). 



The occipital condyles are separate from each other at their lower extremities. The par- 

 occipitals and mastoids have coalesced and form a triangular plate of bone, applied to the 

 posterior part of the tympanic bulla, like the capsule of the acorn to the seed. This bulla is 

 more circumscribed and much more developed than in the Otter : the bony meatus audi- 

 torius is much shorter, and opens directly into the tympanic cavity. The cranial cavity is 

 longer and narrower, and the postorbital constriction much less, than in the Mustelidee. The 

 bony tentorium is continued forwards beyond the petrosal, and terminates above the foramen 

 rotundum. The petrosal is impressed by a deep pit for the cerebellar appendage. A vertical 

 inverted tract of the cranial walls divides the prosencephalic from the rhinencephalic com- 

 partments. The olfactory fossa is continued backwards above as well as beneath the rhin- 

 encephalic compartment. The crista galli is rudimental. The occipital region of the skull 

 is a triangle, higher than it is broad. The nasal processes of the upper maxillaries extend 

 backwards much further than the nasal bones, the reverse being the case in the Otter. The 

 pterygoid processes are perforated by the ectocarotids. The dental formula of the genus 

 Fiver r a is well displayed in this specimen. 



Hunterian. 



The following, to No. 4282 inclusive, are parts of the same skeleton ottheFiverradvetta : 



Hunterian. 



4266. The atlas. 



The transverse processes have a more extensive origin than in the Otter, and they are per- 

 forated both horizontally and vertically by the vertebral artery before it pierces the neural arch. 



4267. The vertebra dentata. 



The median inferior ridge, and the two lateral ones continued upon the transverse pro- 

 cesses, are longer, deeper, and sharper than in the Otter. 



