54 VERTEBRATA. MAMMALIA. 



ceeded to the spot, where one bear was despatched 

 by a cut on the head with an axe, and the other 

 was killed in the cave. The dead hunter was buried 

 on the spot ; the other recovered, but his face was 

 very much disfigured. The bears were all butcher- 

 ed, (i. e. cut up,) and the meat cured." 



Passing over the Raccoons, Coatis, Badgers, Glut- 

 tons, and Ratels, in which we gradually lose all like- 

 ness to the Bears, except in their plantigrade walk, 

 we notice the 



II. DIGITIGRA.DA,* 



or those which walk on tiptoe. In looking at the 

 hind leg of a dog, we are at first sight apt to sup- 

 pose that the projecting joint which forms almost a 

 right angle is the knee, though it is in fact bent the 

 wrong way. It is no other than the heel of the foot, 

 which is elevated at this distance from the ground, 

 the whole tread being on the toes. With this pecu- 

 liarity are associated a superior lightness of form 

 and swiftness of motion, and more predaceous habits. 

 The first family consisting of the Weasels, has been 

 styled vermiform, on account of the slenderness, 

 length, and flexibility of their bodies, allowing them 

 to insinuate themselves into the smallest passages 

 in pursuit of prey. Though mostly small, they are 

 sanguinary and daring, often attacking animals much 

 larger than themselves. They are arranged into four 

 genera. 



* Digitus, a finger, and gradior, to step. 



