CARNIVORA. 193 



In the second, we would propose to include the 

 long-bodied species of Plantigrade mustelidce, whose 

 anterior extremities terminate in paws with long 

 non-retractile claws. 



THE ARCTOGALID^E. 



Genus MEPHITIS. The Skunks. Dent. form, 

 incis. f, can. \-\, mol. f-f =34. The false molars, 

 like those of polecats; the tubercular teeth above 

 nearly equally broad as long ; and the carnassial 

 below with two tubercles on the inner side like 

 badgers. Muzzle obtuse ; soles of the feet, and 

 fore paws, hairy; claws strong for digging; fur 

 rather coarse, and very long and bushy on the tail ; 

 anal glands containing a most fetid liquid, which 

 the animal can eject to some distance. The spe- 

 cies are thick-set in form, generally wanting in 

 dexterous activity ; occupying holes dug in the 

 earth ; living on birds, eggs, small mammals, honey, 

 frogs, &c. They enter into human dwellings, pe- 

 netrate into store rooms and cellars, and, if alarmed 

 by detection, are apt to emit the offensive fluid, 

 which immediately taints bread, meat, vegetables, 

 and even the beer that may be within the walls. 

 We have witnessed the case of a maid servant, 

 seated by the coachman driving his vehicle through 

 a wood, in the State of New York, when a Skunk, 

 crossing the road, failing to spring through a split 

 fence before the horses came up, was alarmed, 



