146 



THE STORY OF THE FOSSA. 



in a less perfect state at an earlier period ol the earth's development, and 

 are called stealthy cats, including the palm-civets, civets, genets and mun- 

 gooses. Should the body of a large, reddish-brown palm-civet be imbued with 

 the lively, sportive nature, the intense elasticity and supple mobility of a true 



THE FOSSA 



cat, this unique animal would present in itself the combination of these con- 

 tradictory features. The feet, which are furnished with curved, sharp, and 

 somewhat retractable claws, are very similar tO' those of a cat, except that 

 the whole sole of the hind pair is knotted, and applied to the ground in walk- 



